Traveling With A Cast or Splint
by Patricia M Ellis, M-PAS, PA-C
Edited by: Gwenn Schurgin O’Keeffe, MD, FAAP
 You've been planning a big family trip to the beach for spring break for months now. One week before your scheduled departure your son falls while skateboarding and breaks his wrist. The ER doctor puts a splint on his arm, and a few days later the orthopedic specialist applies a cast. Now what? Do you have to cancel your trip and disappoint the family? Don't worry! With a few adjustments you can still have a fabulous family vacation and make sure that your son's wrist heals properly.
Why a splint or cast?
Splints and casts play and important role in allowing bone and other orthopedic injuries to heal. Immobilizing the injured part keeps the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons still, giving the body the chance to rebuild bone in the fractured area and protecting the area from further injury.
What next?
It is important to take care of your child's cast or splint so that the injury will heal properly. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org), a well fitted splint or cast will not interfere significantly in normal daily activities, but there are precautions that should be taken to protect it. And there are problems that can develop, so close monitoring is required. Below are some tips for caring for your cast or splint while traveling:
- Inform your healthcare provider and orthopedist of your travel plans from the beginning. This will help to prevent some problems. (S)he should advise you on proper care and use of the splint/cast.
- Discuss with your child’s orthopedist the type of trip you are taking and get a clear list of activities that are allowed and not allowed while wearing the splint or cast.
- Monitor closely for the following warning signs: severe pain, tingling or numbness, excessive swelling, or decreased movement of the affected area, fever, red streaks coming from under the cast or splint, sores, or sudden change in skin color or temperature. Seek immediate medical attention if these develop.
- Keep the cast or splint clean and dry. Waterproof shields made specifically for casts are available, or try a double layer of heavy plastic bags (lightweight and easy to pack!) to keep water out. If the cast or splint does get wet, use a hair dryer set on low and held about 18 inches from the cast until dry.
- Avoid getting dirt, sand, powder, lotions, or any other foreign object under the splint or cast. Don't insert anything under the cast/splint.
- Only remove splints if and when your healthcare provider says it's OK. Never attempt to remove a cast yourself.
- If the splint or cast becomes damaged, broken, or lost, contact your healthcare provider for their advice on what to do. Depending on the injury, (s)he may recommend a temporary over the counter splint or attention from a local provider to apply a new cast or splint.
With some care, thought, and planning, you and your child can still enjoy a vacation while traveling with a splint or cast. Have fun!
Author Bio:
Patricia M. Ellis, MPAS, PA-C, is a physician assistant with over ten years of primary care, emergency room and urgent care experience. She currently works for ED Care Management at the Franklin Regional Medical Center, Louisburg, NC. She is active in a variety of physician assistant educational activities and lives in Youngsville, NC with her husband and two dogs and enjoys travel, cooking, and yoga .
Cast and Splint Care Resources
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