When Your Child Needs a Spica Cast
Your child needs a spica cast. This is a cast that covers the child’s lower body. It is used to treat problems, such as fractures (broken bones), in the hips or thighs. A spica cast reaches from the chest over the hips and down one or both legs. It has a cutout at the groin for toileting. A bar may connect the legs to make the cast more stable. A spica cast is applied by an orthopedist (doctor specializing in treating bone and joint problems). This is often done in an operating room. Your child will wear the cast for 4-12 weeks.
When Is a Spica Cast Needed?
A spica cast is used to stabilize and protect the hip or thigh area for a set time. This helps problems or injuries in these areas heal. A spica cast may be used after the following:
You will be given instructions on how to care for your child while he or she is in a spica cast.
A femur (thighbone) fracture
Hip or pelvis problems or fractures
Dislocation (pushing out of place) of the hip joint
Certain surgeries (such as a tendon release)
Caring for Your Child
You will be given specific instructions for caring for your child and the spica cast. Here are some guidelines:
Inspect the cast and your child regularly for:
Sharp areas or rough spots near skin.
Skin that is red, irritated, or sore.
A skin rash around or under the cast.
Skin that is numb or changes color.
Keep the cast dry. Don’t let water get under the cast. Bathe and clean your child with sponge baths, as instructed. Clean the groin area carefully.
Tape around the edges of the groin opening of the cast. This helps the cast stay clean. Many parents use moleskin or duct tape.
Diaper your child as instructed by your healthcare provider. Often, a diaper is put on underneath the opening of the spica cast and another over the cast. You will likely have to help a toilet-trained child to use the toilet.
Just after the cast is put on, limit your child’s activity to let the injury stabilize. Your child’s doctor can give you specific activity guidelines for your child while the cast is in place.
Put your child’s clothing on OVER the cast. Loose or larger-sized clothing works best.
Call your child’s doctor if your child has any of the following:
Skin around the cast is red, irritated, or sore
The toes change color or feel very cool to touch
A skin rash develops near or under the cast
Your child complains that a spot under the cast hurts or burns
Your child’s toes are numb or tingly
The cast develops any breaks, cracks, or sharp spots
The cast gets wet or very dirty, or the crotch opening gets soiled with feces or urine