• Do I need a referral? A referral (from your GP, orthopaedic specialist, ED consultant or sports physician) is ideal but not entirely necessary. While it is good practice to have the involvement of a medic, I am able to determine whether you require xray, interpret x-rays and determine what type of cast/splint is required (or whether you require orthopaedic referral).

 

• How long will it take for my cast to be applied? You will be in and out within 20 minutes.

 

• Why has my GP/orthopaedic specialist/ED consultant/sports physician sent me for a temporary back slab and not a fibreglass cast? Back slabs (non-circumferential casts) are applied in the initial phase of fracture management as they allow swelling to occur. Fibreglass (circumferential) casts are typically applied 7 days after injury, once swelling has dissipated.

 

• Can I have a waterproof cast? Waterproof casts cannot be applied to patients who have wounds, abrasions, surgical incisions or percutaneous wires (“K wires”) as they may become infected when wet. It is also not possible to apply waterproof casts to patients with psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis (as this may cause an exacerbation of these conditions).

 

• How are casts removed? Synthetic (“fibreglass”) casts are removed using a plaster saw (see video section) while back slabs are simply removed using scissors.

 

• My infant (less than 3 years) requires a synthetic cast - will the cast saw be used to remove it? No – We stock a specific cast type (Delta Cast Soft) that allows us to simply use scissors or even just unravel the cast (see video section).

 

• Why has my child been referred for a buckle fracture splint and not a cast? Kids have softer bones than adults and, as a result, their bones tend to buckle or bulge rather than completely fracture. Buckle fractures are stable and those with less than 15 degrees of displacement don’t require circumferential casting. Buckle fracture splints are typically worn for 3-4 weeks, with the advantage being that they can be removed for showering and hand washing. The use of buckle fracture splints in the management of un-displaced distal radius and /or ulna buckle fractures in the paediatric population has been standard practice for many years in institutions such as the children’s hospitals in Randwick and Westmead in Sydney, and the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

​

• My cast feels loose - is this normal? Casts may become loose as a result of several factors:

1. Your muscles becoming smaller (muscle atrophy),

2. A reduction in swelling,

3. Or compaction of cast padding.

 

• What do I do if my cast becomes loose? Simply contact Dan at OFMC and arrange to have a new cast applied.

 

• Can I drive with a cast on? While no specific laws exist regarding driving while wearing a cast, you should not operate a vehicle if you’re unsafe to do so. Seek further clarification from your GP/orthopaedic specialist. Driving while wearing a plaster may also void any insurance policies you have in place – seek clarification from your insurer.

 

• Can I play sport with a cast on? Engaging in sporting activity is discouraged when you have fractured a bone. Also, most sporting bodies will not allow participants to play while wearing casts. Contact your sporting body for clarification.

 

• How long does it take a waterproof cast to become dry after showering? Approximately 60-90 minutes.

 

• Can I fly overseas with a cast on? Yes. Airlines require that casts be cut on both sides (“bivalved”) in the event the cast needs to be removed mid-flight. Once the cast is bivalved, we will then apply Delta Cast Soft – which can be cut with scissors or simply unravelled. Let Dan know if you intend to fly overseas at time of cast application.

 

• Can I swim in salt water with a waterproof cast on? Yes. The cast must be flushed with fresh water after a swim in salt water.

 

• Can I have a coloured cast? Patterns/prints? Can I draw on the cast? Yes – We stock various colours and patterns (including camouflage, dog paw prints, dinosaurs). And yes, you can draw on the cast – permanent markers are the way to go.

 

• Can I have a waterproof long arm (above elbow) cast? In general, we avoid applying waterproof long arm casts as there is a risk of skin irritation or maceration (softening and breakdown of skin due to excess moisture) over the cubital fossa (the anterior aspect of the elbow). If you have a beach holiday planned and you have a strong desire for a waterproof long arm cast, I will discuss the pros and cons with you.

​

• What will my cast cost? The cost of your cast is dependent on the size of the plaster and whether you choose waterproof or non-waterproof. As an example, waterproof short arm casts cost $140 (with your consultation fee built into this charge). Synthetic casts are a private charge and have no Medicare rebate.

​

• Will Medicare cover the costs of my visit? While some patients with chronic conditions may be eligible for a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM) - organised by their General Practitioner - fractures (in most instances) are considered an acute injury and therefore aren't covered by Medicare.

 

• Will my private health insurance cover part/all of the cost of my visit? Your insurer will cover some of the consult/treatment depending on your policy. Check with your insurer.

 

• My joint feels sore after the cast has been removed - is this normal? Yes - It is normal for any immobilised joints to feel stiff once the cast is removed. You will be prescribed several simple range of motion exercises to restore range. If there are any concerns regarding ongoing bony tenderness post cast removal, further imaging can be arranged.

 

• Are fibreglass casts made of fibreglass? The term fibreglass has become somewhat of a generic term for synthetic plasters. Yes, one can buy fibreglass cast tape, but the majority of synthetic casts are made of polyester.

 

• Can physiotherapists order x-rays? ​Yes. There is usually a small (approx. $50) out of pocket fee.

 

• Can physiotherapists read x-rays? Yes. I have an x-ray light box on the premises (for hard copies of plain x-rays) or the images can viewed via the relevant imaging website.

​

• I've had my xray - now what do I do? Simply return to see Dan and he will be able to discuss your results with you.

 

• What happens if I develop altered sensation/discolouration/increased pain while in my cast? You will be provided with a cast care/precautions handout. Elevating the limb is the first course of action. If elevating does not result in a reduction/cessation of symptoms, contact Dan immediately or go directly to the nearest emergency department.