Which cast is used for fracture of the radius and ulna with open wound swelling and infection?

Which cast is used for fracture of the radius and ulna with open wound swelling and infection?

• A. Hanging Cast
• B. Short Arm Posterior Mold
• C. Long Arm Posterior Mold
• D. Functional Cast

Answer: (C)

When both radius and ulna are fractured with an open wound and swelling or infection, the goal is to immobilize the forearm and elbow to prevent movement that could disrupt healing, while also avoiding excessive pressure on fragile soft tissues around the wound. A long arm cast provides fixation from the hand up past the elbow, which stops motion at the elbow and across the forearm bones, giving stable alignment for both forearm fractures. The posterior mold design concentrates rigidity on the back of the forearm, helping to control bending and rotation while leaving more room on the front for swelling and wound care. This combination helps protect the wound site from tight circumferential pressure while still maintaining the stability needed for healing of both bones. Short arm casts immobilize only the distal forearm and leave the elbow free, which can permit unwanted movement and displacement in two-bone forearm fractures. A functional cast allows some movement, which is undesirable when there is open tissue injury and infection that needs protection and careful management. A hanging cast is not as protective or reliable for maintaining proper alignment across both forearm bones in the setting of swelling and infection.

When both radius and ulna are fractured with an open wound and swelling or infection, the goal is to immobilize the forearm and elbow to prevent movement that could disrupt healing, while also avoiding excessive pressure on fragile soft tissues around the wound. A long arm cast provides fixation from the hand up past the elbow, which stops motion at the elbow and across the forearm bones, giving stable alignment for both forearm fractures. The posterior mold design concentrates rigidity on the back of the forearm, helping to control bending and rotation while leaving more room on the front for swelling and wound care. This combination helps protect the wound site from tight circumferential pressure while still maintaining the stability needed for healing of both bones.

Short arm casts immobilize only the distal forearm and leave the elbow free, which can permit unwanted movement and displacement in two-bone forearm fractures. A functional cast allows some movement, which is undesirable when there is open tissue injury and infection that needs protection and careful management. A hanging cast is not as protective or reliable for maintaining proper alignment across both forearm bones in the setting of swelling and infection.