COMPLICATION OF PLASTER CASTS
|
Complication |
Sign and symptoms |
|
1.
Impaired blood flow |
Absences of pulse in the extremity below the
plaster cast. Pallor, blanching or cyanosis of the skin. Pain Coldness of the skin. Swelling Numbness Motor paralysis |
|
2.
Nerves damage |
Persistent and increasing pain. Numbness Motor paralysis |
|
3.
Tissue necrosis and
infection |
Unpleasant odour Feeling of hot sensation Drainage through the cast. Sudden elevation of unexplained body temperature. |
|
4.
Volkman’s ischemic
contracture |
All the sign and symptoms of impaired blood flow. Absence of radial/pedal pulse. Infraction and necrosis of the muscles. Absences of the finger/ toe movements. Absences of the pain which was intense in the
beginning. |
|
5.
Cast syndrome |
Prolonged nausea and vomiting. Abdominal distension. Vague abdominal pain. |
|
6.
Complication due to
immobility |
Hypostatic pneumonia. Foot drop Renal calculi Stiffness of joints |
|
7.
Surgical complication |
Insomnia Phlebo – thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Wound infection. |
