About Casting
Key Highlights
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Non-invasive and non-surgical treatment method.Provides excellent immobilization for proper bone alignment and healing.Effectively reduces pain and minimizes swelling.Protects the injured area from further damage.Customizable and adaptable to a child's specific anatomy and growth.Cost-effective compared to surgical interventions in applicable cases./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Stable fractures of the arms, legs, wrists, or ankles.
- Post-operative immobilization following orthopedic surgery.
- Correction of certain congenital deformities (e.g., clubfoot).
- Severe sprains or ligament injuries requiring stabilization.
- Management of specific bone infections (osteomyelitis) to rest the limb.
- Protection of healing tissues after tendon or muscle repairs.
How to prepare
- The child's skin is cleaned and inspected for cuts, sores, or rashes.
- A soft stockinette is placed over the limb for comfort and to protect the skin.
- Padding (soft cotton roll) is wrapped around the limb, with extra layers over bony areas.
- The orthopedic specialist explains the process to the child and parents to reduce anxiety.
- The limb is positioned in the optimal alignment for healing.
- No anesthesia is typically required for simple cast application.
Risks & possible complications
- Skin irritation, itching, or pressure sores under the cast.
- Compartment syndrome (rare but serious increase in pressure within the limb).
- Joint stiffness or muscle atrophy due to prolonged immobilization.
- Allergic reaction to cast materials (rare with modern materials).
- Cast damage or softening if it gets wet.
- Swelling of fingers or toes, indicating the cast may be too tight.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Keep the cast completely dry; use waterproof protectors for bathing.
- Elevate the injured limb above heart level for the first 48-72 hours to reduce swelling.
- Regularly check fingers or toes for color, warmth, movement, and sensation.
- Avoid inserting objects inside the cast to scratch.
- Attend all follow-up appointments for cast checks and potential changes.
- After cast removal, the skin may be dry and flaky; gentle washing and moisturizing are recommended.
- Physical therapy may be advised to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: Varies by condition; typically 3 to 8 weeks for fracture healing
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering casting in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform casting. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for casting compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 1.5 Thousand – 8 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient procedure) | ~ Varies by condition; typically 3 to 8 weeks for fracture healing | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 5.25 Thousand – 28 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient procedure) | ~ Varies by condition; typically 3 to 8 weeks for fracture healing | Know More |
Vihaan Roy is a cheerful 7-year-old...
Vihaan Roy is a cheerful 7-year-old who loves playing cricket with his older brother in their backyard. During a particularly enthusiastic match, he tripped over a garden hose while chasing a ball and fell hard onto his outstretched right arm. He immediately felt a sharp pain and heard a 'pop.' His parents rushed him to the emergency room where an X-ray confirmed a both-bone fracture of his forearm. The pediatric orthopedist, Dr. Mehta, explained that the bones were significantly displaced and needed to be realigned and stabilized. She recommended a closed reduction under sedation, followed by a long-arm fiberglass cast. Vihaan was scared of the 'sleepy medicine' and worried he wouldn't be able to draw or play. The procedure went smoothly; the sedation team was gentle, and he felt no pain. Applying the cool, wet fiberglass was a strange sensation. After, the nursing staff helped him and his parents decorate the cast with dinosaur stickers. Over the next six weeks, Vihaan adapted remarkably. His classmates signed his cast, and he learned to write with his left hand. The cast was itchy at times, but regular check-up X-rays showed perfect healing. When the cast was finally sawed off, he was thrilled but his arm felt weak and strange. With guided physiotherapy, he regained full strength and rotation. Emotionally, he journeyed from fear and frustration at his limitations to resilience and pride. He now proudly shows his little scar as a 'cricket badge of honor.'
Pediatric Orthopedics for Casting
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform casting and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata