Complication of plaster casts

 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.