Plaster of Paris

Plaster of Paris: In 1852 powder gypsum was first used as splint and for immobilization of fractures. This powder is now known as plaster of paris.

Plaster of paris is hemi-hydrated calcium sulphate

Plaster bandage can be made with cotton bandage impregnated with plaster of paris powder. Now commercially prepared plaster bandage are available.

Types:

1)      Plaster slab (Incomplete).

2)      Full plaster cast (Complete).

Indications of plaster:

1)      As splint in fracture as first aid treatment.

2)      Immobilization of fracture as definitive treatment.

3)      To correct some deformities.

4)      To immobilize joints sometimes in infection.

5)      Immobilization to prevent pathological fracture.

Advantages of plaster:

1)      It is cheap.

2)      Easily available & changeable.

3)      Hazards of operation can be avoided.

4)      Can be molded properly over the contour and bony prominences.

5)      It is non inflammable.

Danger signs:

1)      Constant, sever pain-especially in areas where pressure sores can occur.

2)      A darkening or change of color in the toes.

3)      Numbness or burning.

4)      A smell like rotting meat (a late, very serious sign)

(If any of these appear, have them quickly bring the patient back or remove the cast themselves)

Complication and disadvantages:

1)      Pressure sore over bony prominences and at the sharp margins.

2)      Nerve supply.

3)      Edema/swelling, distal to the plaster.

4)      Infection under plaster.

5)      Deep vein thrombosis.

6)      Stiffness of immobilized joints (Fracture disease).

7)      Disuse osteoporosis.

8)      Disused atrophy of muscle.

9)      Renal calculi.

10)  Hypostatic pneumonia.