Note: This guideline is currently under review. Show
IntroductionA hip spica is a plaster cast that extends from the
torso down to the feet and is applied in theatre under general anaesthetic. The objective of the hip spica is to immobilise the hip, pelvis and/or femur to correct and maintain hip deformities. A spica cast can be used for stabilisation of pelvic or femur fractures, or post reduction/reconstruction for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Children having a closed/open reduction to correct hip dysplasia may have the cast on for 12 weeks, with a change of plaster occurring after 6
weeks. Aim
Definition of termsBivalve: Splitting the plaster cast in two complete pieces to relieve swelling, pressure or neurovascular compromise, or to allow for frequent assessment Closed reduction: The hip is gently manipulated into the acetabulum by flexion, traction and abduction under a general anaesthetic and then immobilised in a hip spica cast. An adductor tenotomy, which involves percutaneous lengthening of tendons, may also be performed. Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): An abnormality in the development of the hip joint. The size, shape, orientation, or organisation of the femoral head, acetabulum or both can be affected. The abnormality may be congenital or may develop during infancy or childhood. Femoral/Pelvic osteotomies: Usually performed on children with DDH greater than 18 months. The cutting and repositioning of bone required to reconstruct and safely maintain the hip in the reduced position. Hip
Spica: A plaster of Paris covering the torso and continuing down to the ankle on the affected side and to the knee on the unaffected side or covering bilateral legs to the ankle. There is an opening around the perineal area for toileting. Used to immobilise and maintain optimal position for abduction and flexion of the hips, pelvis, and/or femur. Open Reduction: Usually performed after failed closed reduction in children greater than 2 years. Involves lengthening tendons,
removing obstacles to reduction and tightening the hip capsule. AssessmentPhysical assessmentPatient assessment
Neurovascular assessment
Pain assessment
Skin and plaster assessment
ManagementAcute managementHydration and Nutrition
Positioning
Transferring patient
Toileting
Cast care
Sleeking or Petaling
Figure 1. Applying waterproof tape to edges of the perineal area Scotching
Figure 2. Applying waterproof tape to edges of perineal area and scotching the plaster. Dressings
Hygiene and skin care
Diet/Constipation
Ongoing ManagementAllied Health ReferralsPhysiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Potential ComplicationsPressure areas
Pruritus
Neurovascular compromise
Plaster issues
Mesenteric Artery Syndrome / Cast Syndrome Mesenteric artery syndrome/cast syndrome can occur isas a rare complication secondary to pressure of the cast around the abdomen. It is associated with proximal duodenal obstruction resulting in the
external compression of the third portion of the duodenum by the superior mesenteric artery. Signs and symptoms are general and unpredictable in nature and can include emesis which is frequently bilious, and may contain partially digested food, nausea, early satiety, and abdominal pain. Diagnosis occurs by performing upper gastrointestinal imagingseries withusing contrast. Parents and carers need to be aware of this
complication before the child is discharged from hospital. If, after the child is at home, the cast is found to be too tight around the abdomen, the child needs to attend their closest hospital emergency department as soon as possible. A small round hole can be cut into the cast to relieve the pressure on the child’s stomach. Discharge Planning and assessmentCar seating and transportation
Figure 3: padding used for infant in car seat. Fitting car seats and restraint modificationsIt is
neither legal nor safe for parents to use the following information to make changes to their child's restraint without the advice of a trained health care professional. In Victoria, it is compulsory for children travelling in a vehicle to be restrained appropriately for their age and height, with a child restraint that complies with the Australian/NZ Standard 1754.
If the patient is unable to be fitted into an appropriate restraint they must be transferred home via non-emergency patient transport and follow up transfer for outpatient appointments to be organised by the patient’s GP.
Completing Letters in EMRIf using EMR, there are two letters available in the Communication Management Activity. Both letters need to be completed and provided to the parent/carer
before the patient is discharged. The RCH Medical Car Seat Letter is to be accessed, printed and signed by the medical team. The OT car seat letter is to be completed by the OT or nurse fitting the car seat as well as the parent/carer.
Once completed, print by clicking preview and print. Further information can be located on the TOCAN website /tocan/ Fitting prams/strollers/ wheelchairsThe child in a hip spica needs to be assessed to determine if they fit into their pram. Please refer to physiotherapy for fitting of all prams/strollers and wheelchairs. If the child does not fit into their own pram, an alternative pram can be fitted by physiotherapy and then hired from EDC. Older children may require a reclining wheelchair which can also be hired from EDC. Refer to TOCAN
Case Studies for examples of troubleshooting car-seating and restraints for individual medical conditions /tocan/case_studies/Case_Studies/ Education
Follow-up / Review
Family centered care
Special considerations
Companion documents
Links
Evidence tablePlease click here to view the
evidence table. The revision of this nursing guideline was coordinated by Kiralee Ciampa, RN, Platypus Ward, and approved by the Nursing Clinical Effectiveness Committee. Updated February 2018. Which cast care instructions should the nurse provide to a client?Keep the cast clean and dry. Allow the cast 24 to 72 hours to dry. Keep the cast and extremity elevated. Expect tingling and numbness in the extremity.
What cast care instructions would the nurse give to the client with a plaster cast to the right forearm?Home care. Keep the cast dry. ... . Don't stick things in the cast, even to scratch the skin. ... . Don't cut or tear the cast.. Cover any rough edges of the cast with cloth tape or moleskin. ... . Never try to remove the cast yourself.. Don't pick at the padding of the cast. ... . Exercise all the nearby joints not immobilized by the cast.. Which cast instructions should the nurse provide to a patient who just had a plaster cast applied select all that apply?-Keep the cast clean and dry. - Allow the cast 24 to 72 hours to dry. - A cool setting on the hair dryer can be used to dry a plaster cast (heat cannot be used on a plaster cast because the cast heats up and burns the skin). - not to stick anything under the cast because of the risk of breaking skin integrity.
Which of the following is the recommended method of drying the client's cast?Keep the cast dry.
You may use a blow dryer on cool or the lowest heat setting to dry your cast if it gets wet.
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