Which cast is used for fracture of the wrist and finger?

Which cast is used for fracture of the wrist and finger?

• A. Shoulder Spica Cast
• B. Sugar Tong
• C. Short Arm Circular Cast
• D. Hanging Cast

Answer: (C)

Immobilizing the wrist and hand requires a cast that covers the forearm and the digits, keeping the wrist and carpometacarpal joints still while allowing the elbow to move. A short arm circular cast does exactly that: it starts below the elbow and wraps around the forearm into the hand, rigidly stabilizing the wrist and fingers to promote healing of wrist and finger fractures. In contrast, a shoulder spica cast fixes the shoulder, which isn’t needed for wrist/finger injuries; a sugar tong immobilizes the forearm and wrist but often doesn’t secure the fingers as well; and a hanging cast is not a standard method used for these fractures. Therefore, the short arm circular cast is the appropriate choice.

Immobilizing the wrist and hand requires a cast that covers the forearm and the digits, keeping the wrist and carpometacarpal joints still while allowing the elbow to move. A short arm circular cast does exactly that: it starts below the elbow and wraps around the forearm into the hand, rigidly stabilizing the wrist and fingers to promote healing of wrist and finger fractures. In contrast, a shoulder spica cast fixes the shoulder, which isn’t needed for wrist/finger injuries; a sugar tong immobilizes the forearm and wrist but often doesn’t secure the fingers as well; and a hanging cast is not a standard method used for these fractures. Therefore, the short arm circular cast is the appropriate choice.