title: Slipper cast management of emergency foot problems.
abstract: Foot conditions are frequently seen in the emergency department. In many cases, although weight bearing is painful, it is not precluded, per se. When a soft dressing does not provide sufficient support, a below knee walking cast may be applied. We present an alternative dressing that may be of benefit in selected foot injuries. The dressing is fashioned with cast padding, foam sheeting and plaster. It is designed and molded to fit like a slipper. The plaster slipper has distinct advantages in that it is comfortable, lighter for the patient, and avoids the problem of ankle stiffness. We believe that this option is underused in the emergency setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Division of Hand Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY 40202, USA. gsmith@kkahand.com
authors.forename: Gillian D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Raymond G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.forename: Thomas W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Wolff
mesh_terms: D000842:Ankle / Q000601:surgery*; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans