Plaster consultation

In the plaster room, specialized nurses treat patients with injuries to the musculoskeletal system. These injuries include bone fractures, as well as muscle and tendon problems and wound care.
We treat various limbs that need to be immobilized, corrected or supported. You may be referred to the plaster room from various disciplines, such as the orthopedic surgeon, plastic surgeon, neurosurgeon or emergency doctor.

When is a cast needed?

You will be referred to the plaster room if you have a broken bone or another injury affecting bones, joints, tendons or muscles. Together with the doctor, we determine which type of cast is most suitable for you, so that the injury can heal as well as possible.

Immediately after the injury, an open cast is often applied. This allows room for swelling without causing additional discomfort. Later (usually after about one week), this cast is generally replaced with a second closed cast. You should never put weight on an open cast.

If the injury is older, or when we expect that significant swelling is unlikely, we usually apply a closed cast straight away. In most cases, this cast does not need to be replaced during the course of the treatment.

Types of casts

Long-term casts are usually made of synthetic plaster material. This material is lighter and more comfortable to wear. Synthetic casts can already be weight-bearing after 30 minutes, meaning you can lean on them or walk with them. Patients are asked to make a small personal contribution for this type of cast, which will be included on the hospital invoice.
Temporary casts are mainly made of traditional plaster. These are heavier and therefore less comfortable. With this type of cast, you should not put weight on it or walk on it until after 48 hours. The costs for these casts are fully covered by the health insurance fund.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do with a cast?

It is important to regularly:

increase the height of the cast limb
put a bench under the cast leg that is at least as high as the chair or seat you are sitting on
placing a pillow under the plastered arm
move and exercise adjacent body parts not in the cast regularly (e.g., fingers, toes, shoulder, knee)
Stretch the muscles under the cast from time to time (especially those of the thigh if it is in plaster)

What can't I do with a cast?

With a cast, you should definitely not do the following:

Get the plaster cast wet; this applies to both a lime and synthetic cast.
Supporting or walking on a (semi-) open cast.
Insert foreign objects into the cast.
Picking cotton wool from the cast.
Drying the cast by artificial heat.
Cutting or sawing into the cast.
Using sharp objects for itching.

I would like to shower with a cast. Is that possible?

Your cast should not get wet and should always stay dry. Therefore, we recommend purchasing a shower cover.

My cast got wet. What should I do?

If your cast has become severely wet, damaged, soaked or has cracks, we advise you to contact the plaster room or our emergency department.

I suffer from itching under my cast. What can I do?

If you suffer from itching under the cast, it's best:

Blow lukewarm/cool air behind the cast with a hair dryer (no hot air!).
Or order a spray powder from the pharmacist.

I am suffering from bad smell coming from the cast. What should I do?

If a particularly foul-smelling odor emanates from the cast, you should go to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

My cast is uncomfortable (too tight, too loose). What should I do?

If the cast is really uncomfortable or causing pain because the cast is too tight or too loose, you should go to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

I have a cast and suffer from numbness or blue or pale or cold or swollen fingers or toes. What should I do?

When your fingers or toes are numb, blue, pale, very cold or swollen, you should go to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible.