Name of the Procedure:

Common Names: Long Leg Cylinder Cast, Pediatric Leg Cast
Technical/Medical Term: Cast Supplies, Long Leg Cylinder Cast, Pediatric (0-10 years), Fiberglass (HCPCS Code: Q4036)

Summary

A long leg cylinder cast made of fiberglass is a type of hard cast used to immobilize and support the leg from the upper thigh down to the toes in children aged 0-10 years. This type of cast helps in the healing process of broken bones or other leg conditions that require immobilization.

Purpose

Fiberglass long leg cylinder casts for pediatric patients are primarily used to:

• Immobilize fractures or breaks in leg bones.
• Correct or support leg deformities.
• Aid in the healing process by restricting movement.
• Relieve pain from broken bones by stabilizing the area.

Indications

• Fractures or breaks in the femur, tibia, or fibula of children aged 0-10.
• Severe sprains or soft tissue injuries in the leg.
• Post-surgical immobilization following corrective surgery of leg deformities.
• Children requiring long-term leg immobilization for other medical conditions.

Preparation

• The healthcare provider will take an X-ray to assess the injury.
• The patient should wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily rolled up.
• Parents or guardians should inform the healthcare provider of any allergies, particularly to cast materials or latex.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider will first clean the affected area.
2. A padding layer, often cotton or synthetic, is applied to protect the skin.
3. The fiberglass material is then soaked in water and wrapped around the leg from the thigh to the toes.
4. The cast is molded to fit the shape of the leg and allowed to harden.
5. Special tools such as a cast saw may be used later for removal.

Duration

The entire casting procedure typically takes about 30-45 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in a hospital’s emergency department, an orthopedic clinic, or an urgent care center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic Specialist or Pediatrician
• Nurse or Medical Assistant
• Radiology Technician (if X-rays are required)
• Occasionally, an Anesthesiologist if sedation is needed

Risks and Complications

• Skin irritation or sores from the cast material.
• Risk of the cast becoming too tight due to swelling.
• Possible delay in bone healing if the cast is not properly set.
• Rare complications include blood clots or nerve damage.

Benefits

• Immediate immobilization aids in pain relief and stabilization.
• Supports proper bone alignment and healing.
• Fiberglass is lightweight, durable, and less bulky compared to traditional plaster casts.

Recovery

• Parents should monitor the child for signs of discomfort or issues with the cast.
• Ensure the child does not get the cast wet.
• Schedule follow-up appointments for cast adjustments or removal.
• Recovery time varies but typically ranges from 6-8 weeks, depending on the injury’s severity.

Alternatives

• Plaster casts: Heavier but might be preferred for certain complex fractures.
• Splints or braces: Less restrictive but may not provide the same level of immobilization.
• Surgery: In some severe cases, surgical intervention might be necessary.

Patient Experience

• The child may feel initial discomfort as the cast is applied but usually no severe pain.
• Itching under the cast is common and can be managed by keeping the area dry and clean.
• Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications as recommended by the healthcare provider.
• Children might experience some mild inconvenience due to limited mobility.