ORTHOPEDIC IMMOBILIZATION TE

1. ORTHOPEDIC
IMMOBILIZATION
TECHNIQUES
ODOJE EDWIN, BScN.RN

2. Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
1 .Define orthopedic immobilization
2. State the purposes of mechanical immobilization
3. Describe the types of casts used in immobilization
4. Demonstrate the steps in application of a cast

3. Introduction
• Orthopedic immobilization techniques are methods used to
restrict movement of injured or unstable body parts to
promote healing and prevent further damage.
• These techniques are commonly employed in the field of
orthopedics, which deals with the musculoskeletal system

4. Cause of physical immobility
• Debilitating conditions
• Traumatic Injury
• Treatment for a traumatic injury (use of slings, casts, traction,
external fixators).
Orthoses- Orthopedic devices which support or align a body part
and prevent or correct deformities.
• Splints
• Immobilizers
• Braces

5. Conditions that benefit from
immobilization
• Fractures
• Sprains
• Severe soft-tissue injuries
• Reduced joint dislocations
• Inflammatory conditions: arthritis, tendinopathy, tenosynovitis
• Deep laceration repairs across joints
• Tendon lacerations

6. Purposes of Mechanical Immobilization
• Relief of pain
• Supports and aligns skeletal injuries
• Restricts movement while injuries heal
• Prevents further structural damage and deformity

9. Characteristics of an Ideal Cast

10. Indications for casting
• Casts are used for a variety of reasons:
• In the treatment of fractures
• After surgery
• To correct deformities
• For support
• To provide pain relief
• To aid in the healing of pressure sores.

11. key principles of cast application
• Before applying a cast, a thorough assessment and diagnosis
of the injury are essential. This includes X-rays and other
imaging studies to determine the extent and nature of the
injury.
• Proper positioning of the patient is crucial for a successful cast
application. The patient should be comfortable and the injured
limb should be in the correct anatomical position for healing.

12. Principles ct..
• The skin over the injured area should be clean and dry before
applying the cast. Any open wounds or cuts should be
appropriately managed, and the skin should be checked for
any signs of infection.
• Soft padding, usually made of cotton or synthetic materials, is
applied to the skin to protect it from the rigid cast material.
This padding also helps distribute pressure evenly and reduces
the risk of pressure sores.

13. Principles..
• Choosing the Right Material-Casts can be made from various
materials, including plaster of Paris and fiberglass. The choice
of material depends on factors such as the type and location
of the injury, the required level of support, and the patient's
lifestyle.
• Proper Application technique is crucial to ensure the cast is
applied evenly and molds to the contours of the patient's body

36. Cast Removal
• Casts are most often removed when they need to be changed
and reapplied, or when the injury has healed. A cast is
removed prematurely if complications develop.
• Most casts are removed with an electric cast cutter (an
instrument that looks like a circular saw.) A cast cutter can
cause anxiety with the client, but proper use leaves the skin
intact. A physician is trained in proper cast cutting techniques,
medical assistants, physician assistants are also qualified to
perform cast cutting.
• When the cast is removed it is normal to see the muscle has
shrunk down due to inactivity and is weaker. The joints may
have limited ROM. The skin may look pale and waxy and may
contain dry, dead skin.

40. Complications of Casting
• Compartment syndrome
• thermal injuries
• pressure sores
• skin infection and dermatitis
• joint stiffness
• Neurologic injury