How to Apply a Cast to a Broken Arm

The term "broken arm" indicates the fracture of one or more bones of the arm. Commonly, the broken arm is caused by trauma, though it may also occur as a result of long-term stress imposed on the bones. On clinical examination, the symptoms of a broken arm are pain, inflammation, deformity and limited mobility of the limb. Application of ice to the affected area can relieve the pain and swelling to some extent before reaching the physician's office. An inevitable treatment for the appropriate healing of the fracture is the application of cast to a broken arm.

Things You'll Need

• Gauze
• Plaster of Paris bandages

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Instructions

• 1

  Make the patient lie down straight on his/her back and position the arm at a 90-degree angle parallel to the ground.

• 2

  Bandage the entire length of the arm with gauze. Starting at the wrist, roll the gauze upward around the arm, slightly overlapping the previous gauze, and stop a few inches above the elbow. Tuck in the loose end of the gauze to secure.

• 3

  Dip the plaster of Paris bandages in water for 5 seconds and then begin wrapping the arm in tight spirals. Make sure to overlap each layer of bandages by at least half an inch. Do not wrap the arm too tightly. Wrap the arm in four to five layers of the plaster of Paris bandages.

• 4

  Wait at least 15 minutes to let the plaster bandages dry and stabilize the arm. Release the patient to resume activity.