What to expect after cast and brace removal
Fracture Cast Removal
The removal of a plaster cast is performed using a saw designed specifically for medical plaster of Paris and synthetic or waterproof casts. It is engineered with safety features that prevent injury to the skin. The saw is used in a top down motion forming a groove in the cast which can then be prised open. The vibration of the saw can be painful if the plaster is being removed or changed very early in treatment. It shouldn’t cause pain after the injury has healed; typically 6 weeks for a wrist or forearm fracture.
Cast Removal Process
- The saw vibrates making a loud buzzing noise. It can get warm from extended use and friction over the cast material.
- The cast removal procedure is painless and our clinicians typically take 10-15 minutes to safely remove your cast.
- You might feel a tickling sensation but you should not experience pain. If you experience pain, please advise the clinician who is removing the cast.
- Special “bandage” scissors are used to cut through the padding underneath after the cast is cut open.
Common effects of cast plaster
- Skin Changes
- Dry, flaky or scaly skin with sensitivity and temporary discolouration
- Increased hair growth in the affected area
- Temporary swelling, particularly when the limb is lowered
- Muscle and Joint Changes
- Joint stiffness, muscle weakness and atrophy
- Reduced range of motion, temporary pain or discomfort during movement
- Possible clicking or crackling sounds during joint movement
- Functional Changes
- Reduced endurance and strength in the affected limb
- Decreased coordination and balance with difficulty in daily activities
- Possible altered gait pattern (for lower limb injuries)
Helpful Care Instructions
- Wash the area gently with mild soap and warm water.
- Pat the skin dry thoroughly and apply moisturiser to help with dry skin.
- Follow our clinicians’ prescribed exercises to rebuild your strength
- Gradually return to normal activities as advised
- Don’t miss follow-up appointments
- Some patients, mostly in adults, may require physiotherapy to regain strength and movement. It takes longer to recover in the lower limb and the older you are. Stiff and sprained ankles can take longer than 6 months to fully recover in adults.
When to Seek Medical Attention
You must seek help if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Severe pain or swelling in the affected limb
- Difficulty moving the affected joint.
- Signs of infection (redness, warmth, discharge)
- Persistent numbness or tingling senstation
- Anything unusual as it is safer to see us and ask if you are unsure
Recovery period after cast removal
Recovery after cast removal is a gradual process requiring patience, dedication, and professional support. Understanding the expected timeline and following prescribed rehabilitation programs are crucial for optimal outcomes. Each patient’s recovery journey is unique, and individual factors will influence the speed and extent of recovery. Regular communication with healthcare providers and adherence to rehabilitation protocols will help ensure the best possible outcome. The recovery period after cast removal varies depending on a few factors:
- Type and severity of the injury or fracture
- Length of time the cast was in place
- Age and general health of the patient
- Compliance with post fracture rehabilitation process
Rehabilitation:
Our clinicians will typically provide very basic early advice and refer you to a physiotherapist or hand therapist for more prolonged therapy when required. Advice we may provide include:
- Specific exercises to restore strength and mobility
- Guidelines for gradually returning to normal activities
- Recommendations for physiotherapy if needed
- Clear instructions about activities to avoid initially
Remember that following medical advice and completing prescribed rehabilitation exercises are crucial for optimal recovery and preventing future complications.
The rehabilitation process can vary greatly but often includes:
- Early Phase (First 1-2 Weeks)
- Gentle range of motion exercises
- Basic strengthening exercises
- Pain management techniques
- Elevation when needed
- Regular icing if swelling persists
- Progressive Phase (2-6 Weeks)
- Increased intensity of exercises
- Progressive resistance training
- Functional movement patterns
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Sport-specific exercises (if applicable)
- Return to Function Phase (6-12 Weeks)
- Advanced strengthening exercises
- Return to normal daily activities
- Graduated return to sports (if applicable)
- Continued maintenance exercises
- Final functional assessment
Expected Recovery Timeframes (varies greatly):
- Upper Limb Injuries
- Simple wrist fractures: 6-12 weeks
- Forearm fractures: 8-12 weeks
- Hand fractures: 4-8 weeks
- Ligament injuries: 6-12 weeks depending on severity
2. Lower Limb Injuries
- Ankle fractures: 8-12 weeks
- Tibia/fibula fractures: 12-16 weeks
- Foot fractures: 6-12 weeks
- Ligament injuries: 8-16 weeks depending on severity
Factors Affecting Recovery:
- Age of the patient
- Overall health status
- Type and severity of injury
- Compliance with rehabilitation program
- Pre-injury fitness level
- Presence of other medical conditions
- Quality of rehabilitation support
Long-term Considerations:
- Ongoing Management
- Regular exercise maintenance
- Activity modification as needed
- Proper warm-up before activities
- Use of protective equipment
- Regular monitoring of symptoms
- Future Prevention
- Maintaining bone health
- Regular exercise program
- Proper nutrition
- Fall prevention strategies
- Regular fitness assessment
Special Considerations:
- Children
- Faster healing times
- Different rehabilitation approaches
- Growth plate monitoring
- Activity modification for age
- Parent education important
- Elderly Patients
- Longer healing times
- Fall prevention focus
- Balance training emphasis
- Careful progression of activities
- Regular review of progress
Success Factors:
- Patient Engagement
- Understanding the recovery process
- Active participation in rehabilitation
- Regular attendance at appointments
- Following prescribed programs
- Maintaining motivation
- Support Systems
- Family involvement
- Professional guidance
- Regular monitoring
- Clear communication
- Access to resources
Professional Support During Recovery:
- Physiotherapy
- Assessment of joint mobility
- Custom exercise prescription
- Manual therapy techniques
- Progress monitoring
- Activity modification advice
- Occupational Therapy (if required)
- Activities of daily living assessment
- Workplace modifications
- Equipment recommendations
- Functional task training
- Home environment assessment
- Regular Medical Review
- Progress assessment
- Complication monitoring
- Return to activity clearance
- Additional imaging if required
- Medication management if needed
How can I book an appointment at the Fracture Clinic?
You can call their phone number or make an appointment online via their website. The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Do you accept insurance?
We work with multiple health insurance providers. We offer Medicare rebates where applicable and can assist you in understanding your potential coverage. We recommend:
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Checking your specific insurance policy for physiotherapy, or orthopaedic specialist coverage
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Bringing your Medicare card and private health insurance details to your consultation
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Consulting with our team for precise rebate information, especially if you have DVA or WorkCover coverage
We are committed to transparent pricing and we will provide a comprehensive breakdown of potential costs and rebates during your initial consultation. For patients with eligible Medicare, DVA, WorkCover and/or private health insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can be significantly reduced.
