© TANUVAS, 2011 CASTING TECHNIQUES

© TANUVAS, 2011 References Bandaging techniques – In: Current techniques in small animal surgery. Ed: Bojrab MJ, 4th Ed. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1998: Casting techniques – In: Handbook of small animal orthopedics and fracture repair. Eds: Piermattei DL and Flo GL, 4th Ed. W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 2006:

© TANUVAS, 2011 Bandage types “Limb bandages” – Robert Jones bandage – Modified Robert Jones bandage – Fortified Robert Jones bandage – Cast – Spica bandage – Etc. “Joint bandages” – Velpeau bandage – Non-weight bearing sling – Ehmer sling – bandage – Etc.

© TANUVAS, 2011 Robert Jones bandages Indications – Prevent swelling – Prevent trauma soft and/or hard tissue stabilization – Wound covering 3 types: – Robert Jones bandage – Modified Robert Jones bandage – Fortified Robert Jones bandage (splint) Other modifications – Spica bandage – Cast

© TANUVAS, 2011 Definitions Cast – molded tubular structure that, if removed would form a mold from which a casting of a limb could be made. Splint – Less than a full cast and usually molded only to one aspect of the limb – Fortified Robert Jones bandage

© TANUVAS, 2011 Fortified Robert Jones bandage Indications – Prevention of swelling – Wound coverage – Soft and/or hard tissue stabilization Materials – Porous tape – Sof-rol + Kling – Fortification stabilized with porous tape – Vetwrap, Elasticon

© TANUVAS, 2011 Fortified Robert Jones bandage Anatomy Contact layer Intermediate layer – Sof-rol + kling – Fortification stabilized with porous tape – Kling Outer layer

© TANUVAS, 2011 Fortified Robert Jones bandage fortification products Wood stick or aluminum rod Polymer – Thermolabile plastic (Orthoplast etc.) – Polyurethane resin impregnated fiberglass (Vetcast, etc.) – Polyurethane resin impregnated polyester-cotton knit (Delta-Lite, etc.) – High density thermoplastic resin impregnated open-weave cotton fabric (Hexcelite, etc.) Pre-fabricated splints

© TANUVAS, 2011 Fortified Robert Jones bandage fortification products Spoon splints Thermolabile plastic Impregnated cotton Impregnated Cotton splint

© TANUVAS, 2011 Casting Indications – Fractures below elbow or stifle – Treatable with closed reduction (non-surgically) – Stable fractures Transverse or short oblique fracture No comminution – Quick healing time anticipated – Greenstick fractures, longbone fractures with intact periosteum, impaction fractures

© TANUVAS, 2011 stockinet cast padding + kling fiberglass intermediat e layer contact layer

© TANUVAS, 2011 Casting “Stability criteria” One joint above and below the fracture “Stability criteria” One joint above and below the fracture

© TANUVAS, 2011 Routine splint or cast care Keep splint or cast dry – Stay inside when wet outside – Put plastic bag around cast or splint Prevent chewing on cast or splint Watch for... – swelling of the toes (nails will spread) – skin irritation around the bandage or cast – bad odor around splint or cast – pain – loss of appetite – bent, loose or broken splint or cast And ask owner to call if any of the above occurs!!!

© TANUVAS, 2011 Summary Splints and casts are “limb bandages” Splints and casts have 3 layers – Contact layer – Intermediate layer – Outer layer Splints and casts can be seen as modified Robert Jones bandages Be vigilant about after care