Letter to the Editor

Cast Abscess

Authors: Kelly D. Carmichael, MD, Nicholas R. Goucher, MD

Abstract

Patients who present with fractures are often given the choice of treatment with nonoperative casting or surgery. While surgery is invasive and carries the risk of infection, casting is considered to be conservative, and the risk of infection is often thought to be eliminated. Complications inherent to cast applications that are usually not the result of patient noncompliance include pressure sores, allergic reactions, joint stiffness, cast syndrome, infections, thermal burns, thrombophlebitis, compartment syndrome, and neurovascular compromise from cast tightness.1–5 Casts over surgical wounds and those which induce ulcerations can become infected.2

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References

1. Farrell J. Nursingcare of the patient in a cast brace. Nursingclinics of North America 1976;11:717–724.
 
2. Meyers MH. Pitfalls in simple fracture care. Postgraduate medicine 1982;71:181–192.
 
3. Moncrief M. Problems, principles and practice in the care of patients in plaster. The Canadian Nurse1963;59:1040–1052.
 
4. Prior MA, Miles S. Casting: part two. Nursing Standards 1999;13:42–47.
 
5. Patrick JH, Levack B. A study of pressure beneath forearm plasters. Injury 1981;13:37–41.