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Slipper cast management of emergency foot problems
Gillian D Smith1, Raymond G Hart, Thomas W Wolff
1Department of General Surgery, Division of Hand Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY 40202, USA. gsmith@kkahand.com
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 26, 2005
Summary
A novel plaster slipper cast offers a comfortable, lightweight alternative for certain foot injuries, avoiding ankle stiffness common with traditional below-knee walking casts. This underused emergency department dressing provides effective support for painful weight-bearing foot conditions.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Emergency Medicine
- Podiatry
Background:
- Foot conditions are common presentations in emergency departments.
- Painful weight-bearing is often permissible but requires adequate support.
- Traditional below-knee walking casts can cause ankle stiffness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an alternative dressing for selected foot injuries.
- To highlight the benefits of a plaster slipper cast in the emergency setting.
Main Methods:
- A novel dressing was fashioned using cast padding, foam sheeting, and plaster.
- The dressing was designed and molded to fit the foot like a slipper.
- This method serves as an alternative to traditional casts for specific foot injuries.
Main Results:
- The plaster slipper cast is comfortable and lighter than traditional casts.
- This alternative dressing avoids the complication of ankle stiffness.
- It provides sufficient support for painful weight-bearing in selected foot injuries.
Conclusions:
- The plaster slipper cast is a beneficial, underutilized option for specific foot injuries in emergency settings.
- This dressing offers improved patient comfort and mobility compared to standard casts.
- Further adoption of this technique could enhance emergency foot injury management.