title: Univalve split plaster cast for postoperative immobilization in foot and ankle surgery.
abstract: Casting is an important part of the postoperative treatment in foot and ankle surgery. Applying a split plaster cast allows for swelling while maintaining surgical correction and alignment. Resecting approximately a 1-in. portion of the plaster cast dorsally and anteriorly maintains stable structural support of the cast while relieving the pressure caused by swelling. We describe a technique for applying a plaster below the knee cast, with a univalve dorsal split, to provide support, while allowing for edema and access to anterior postoperative dressings.
authors.affiliation: Division of Podiatry, Department of Surgery, St. Elizabeth Health Center, Youngstown, OH, USA. ld5353@aol.com
authors.forename: Lawrence A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: DiDomenico
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sann
mesh_terms: D000842:Ankle / Q000601:surgery*; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004867:Equipment Design; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications