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Applying a Hip Spica in a Child

Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics | Vol 7 | Issue 2 |  Jul-Dec 2022 | page: 27-29 | Darshan Kapoor, Sandeep V Vaidya

DOI: 10.13107/jcorth.2022.v07i02.521


Author: Darshan Kapoor [1], Sandeep V Vaidya [1,2]

[1] Department of Orthopaedics, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,
[2] Department of Orthopaedics, Pinnacle Orthocentre Hospital, Thane, Maharashtra, India.

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Sandeep V Vaidya,
Department of Orthopaedics, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: drsvvaidya@gmail.com


Abstract

Hip spica cast is a useful modality for the lower limb immobilization in children with hip and femur pathologies. Single, one and half, double limb spica cast may be applied depending on the indication. The position of hip immobilization is also dependent on the underlying pathology for which the spica is being applied. The inguinal region and knee are potential weak spots in a spica and these should reinforce during spica application. Potential complications include plaster sores, breakage, avascular necrosis of femoral head (in developmental dysplasia of hip), neurovascular compromise, and superior mesenteric artery syndrome (very rare). Careful attention to technique and vigilant after-care is necessary to prevent these complications.

Keywords: Hip spica cast, Pediatric femur fracture, Closed reduction, DDH


References

  1. Kumar SJ. Hip spica application for the treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip. J Pediatr Orthop 1981;1:97-9.
  2. Wan KL, Shanmugam R, Lee KY, Saw A. Comparing the mechanical strength of hip spica cast between a conventional and a new method of application. J Child Orthop 2016;10:387-94.
  3. Tisherman RT, Hoellwarth JS, Mendelson SA. Systematic. review of spica casting for the treatment of paediatric
    diaphyseal femur fractures. J Child Orthop 2018;12:136-44.
  4. Sargent MC. Single-leg spica cast application for treatment of pediatric femoral fracture. JBJS Essent Surg Tech
    2017;7:e26.

 

How to Cite this article: Kapoor D, Vaidya SV. Applying a Hip Spica in a Child. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics Jul-Dec 2022;7(2):27-29.

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