Serial casting of the legs Home care OTPT (1240)

Key points below


 (OT/PT)

What is serial casting?red cast on leg

Serial casting means that casts are put on and then taken off each week. This is done to increase the movement at a joint. Normally, 4 to 6 casts are needed for this to work best.

Important information

Pay close attention to your child’s foot, especially on the first day.

Look for these signs:

Remove the cast immediately if:

Removing the cast

Remove the casts at home 24 hours before coming to clinic for re-casting. This will give you time to wash your child’s feet and legs. Take the last cast off in six days. Do not cut the cast off. It will unwrap without using scissors.

  1. Take off the outer layer. Find the end (usually in the back) pull the top piece of the cast, and unwrap.
  2. Take off the hard layer. You may need to loosen the edges with a non-sharp object such as a butter knife and then work it off with your fingers.
  3. Remove the final layer of cast. Find the end and unwrap it.
  4. Take off the cotton padding and sock layer.

ALERT: Call your child’s physical therapist or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.

Physical Therapy Department Children’s Wisconsin (414)266-2858

For more health and wellness information, check out this resource:

https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

This sheet was created to help you care for your child or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.