Canada
A 28-year-old female asked:
I am wearing a cast for complete breaks of ulna\radius. is it possible to displace the alignment of the bones while wearing a cast?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeffrey Wintanswered
Hand Surgery 37 years experience
A fracture can move : Or shift due to the pattern of the fracture ( some are inherently unstable) the quality of the bone, the energy of the injury ( higher energy injury that was more intially displaced) the amount of initial reduction and other variables . This is why a fracture needs to be followed once it is casted, repeat x-rays, cast changes are all a part of this. Fracture care is mor than just the first cast.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Milan Senanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Yes, absolutely : A cast provides some protection and stability to a reduced fracture, but the bones can still displace - especially in the first 2-3 weeks. Plates and screws are better at stabilizing the fracture. Things that you can do: follow your doctor's restrictions regarding use of the arm (no lifting, etc), follow up regularly for x-ray, keep the cast clean and dry, change your cast if it become loose.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 14, 2014
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