SUSPENSION FOR LEG CASTS

VOIGT MOONEY, M.D. F.A.C.S.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

T HE apphcation of a pIaster-of-Paris Ieg cast for various affections of the knee joint : brings up the question,

FIG. I. FIG. 2.

“WiII the cast stay in place and not sIip down about the ankIe when the patient is walking?”

If the knee is ffexed and the leg has a Iarge caIf and the cast is properIy appIied it wiII not sIip. In obese individuaIs when the thigh and Ieg form a modified cone, some means of suspension is required to prevent the cast from ,sIipping down about the ankle.

For severa years I have successfuIIy used the foIIowing method at the AIIegheny Genera1 Hospital, Pittsburgh.

I. Adhesive (zinc oxide or moIe skin) is applied to the affected Ieg as Fig. I. Note the sIits in the doubIe thickness AA'.

2. Cotton sheet wadding about the Ieg and thigh is appIied over the adhesive.

3. After the appIication of severa layers of pIaster-of-Paris bandage, the Asps A and A’ are directed proximaIIy and the plaster- of-Paris bandages are passed through the sIits. The flaps A and A’ are incorporated in the cast, Fig. 2.

Thus the cast is prevented from de- scending by a J-shaped piece of adhesive, the Ionger end being attached to the skin of the leg and the shorter end incorporated in the cast.

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