Removal or Splitting of Casts
Explain and Reassure Patient:
Show the saw on the palm of your own hand and demonstrate oscillation
Splitting of the cast to relieve pressure/swelling:
• Do one single cut along the length of the cast
•
Do not just cut partway along its length or cut
out a ‘V’ shape. Fluid will spread
through the area with no relief of swelling or tightness
Draw cutting lines on the cast:
• Avoid bony areas
• Avoid blood stained areas if possible
• Bivalve (follow your lines each side of the cast to leave the posterior half for use as a
resting splint)
Saw Technique:
Cut with the saw using an in and out motion holding the blade at right angles to the cast
Beware
the blade gets hot enough to burn the skin:
• If you drag the blade along the cast
• through prolonged use
• If the cast is
thick
• On large cast (Above knee, Hinge cast brace)
• If the blade is blunt (rotate regularly)
• Recently applied (still drying)
If the patient moves or complains:
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