Plaster consultation

In the plaster room, specialized nurses treat patients with injuries to the musculoskeletal system. These injuries include bone fractures, as well as muscle and tendon problems and wound care.
We treat various limbs that need to be immobilized, corrected or supported. You may be referred to the plaster room from various disciplines, such as the orthopedic surgeon, plastic surgeon, neurosurgeon or emergency doctor.

When do you get a (plaster) cast?

You will be referred to the plaster room if you have a broken bone or any other injury to bones, joints, tendons and muscles.

Together with the doctor, we look at which type of plaster is best for you, in order to allow the injury to heal as well as possible.

Immediately after the injury, an open cast is often applied. This allows swelling without causing additional symptoms. Later (approximately after one week), this cast is usually replaced with a second 'closed' cast. You should never lean on an open cast.

For an older injury or when we suspect that no severe swelling will occur, we usually apply a closed plaster cast. This normally does not need to be replaced during the treatment period.

Long-term casts usually consist of synthetic plaster material. This is lighter and more comfortable to wear. These synthetic casts may be loaded (lean on or walking) after 30 minutes. The patient will pay a small cost himself, after receiving the hospital bill.

For temporary plaster casts, lime plasters are mainly used. These are heavier and therefore less comfortable. You may only lean on or walk with a lime plaster after 48 hours. The costs for these plaster casts are paid entirely by the health insurance fund.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do with a cast?

It is important to regularly:

increase the height of the cast limb
put a bench under the cast leg that is at least as high as the chair or seat you are sitting on
placing a pillow under the plastered arm
move and exercise adjacent body parts not in the cast regularly (e.g., fingers, toes, shoulder, knee)
Stretch the muscles under the cast from time to time (especially those of the thigh if it is in plaster)

What can't I do with a cast?

With a cast, you should definitely not do the following:

Get the plaster cast wet; this applies to both a lime and synthetic cast.
Supporting or walking on a (semi-) open cast.
Insert foreign objects into the cast.
Picking cotton wool from the cast.
Drying the cast by artificial heat.
Cutting or sawing into the cast.
Using sharp objects for itching.

I would like to shower with a cast. Is that possible?

Your cast should not get wet and should always stay dry. Therefore, we recommend purchasing a shower cover.

My cast got wet. What should I do?

If your cast has become severely wet, damaged, soaked or has cracks, we advise you to contact the plaster room or our emergency department.

I suffer from itching under my cast. What can I do?

If you suffer from itching under the cast, it's best:

Blow lukewarm/cool air behind the cast with a hair dryer (no hot air!).
Or order a spray powder from the pharmacist.

I am suffering from bad smell coming from the cast. What should I do?

If a particularly foul-smelling odor emanates from the cast, you should go to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

My cast is uncomfortable (too tight, too loose). What should I do?

If the cast is really uncomfortable or causing pain because the cast is too tight or too loose, you should go to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible.