OCC Pediatric & Special Population Casting Flashcards

Why is extra padding used when casting pediatric patients compared to adults?

Answer: Children have more prominent bony areas and less subcutaneous tissue

Bony prominences in children have less protective fat and are at greater risk for pressure injury, requiring additional padding.

The 'three-point mold' technique is especially important in pediatric casting because:

Answer: Children have softer bones that may angulate if the cast is not properly molded

Proper three-point molding maintains fracture alignment in children whose immature bone remodeling relies heavily on correct cast geometry.

In toddlers and infants, which type of cast is commonly used to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)?

Answer: Spica cast

A hip spica cast holds the hips in the abducted, flexed position required to seat the femoral head in the acetabulum during DDH treatment.

Which color-coded system is used to guide padding at vulnerable areas in pediatric casts?

Answer: There is no color system; anatomy landmarks guide extra padding placement

Padding placement in pediatric casts is guided by anatomical landmarks rather than a color-coded system; extra padding is placed over identified bony prominences.

When casting a child with an upper extremity fracture, the wrist is typically positioned in:

Answer: Slight extension (10-15 degrees) for most forearm fractures

Slight wrist extension is the standard functional position for most pediatric forearm and wrist fractures unless otherwise specified by the clinician.

A parent asks if their child can bathe with a fiberglass cast. The correct response is:

Answer: The cast must be kept dry; use a waterproof cast cover for bathing

Standard fiberglass casts are not fully waterproof because the inner padding absorbs water; a waterproof liner system is required for water exposure.