Casting for Clubfoot

Introduction[edit | edit source]

The application of casts is a crucial part of the correction of clubfoot deformity. The cast is needed to maintain the correction that has been achieved by manipulation. If the cast is badly put on it can slip and lose correction, it can also cause rubbing and skin breakdown. Like all skills it is best learned by practical demonstration but this chapter outlines the key points. [1]

What Do You Need?[edit | edit source]

  • Pirani Scoring Sheet
  • Pen
  • Right Size Underwrap (usually 5cm wide)
  • Right Size Plaster (usually 5cm wide in babies)
  • Water
  • Cover for Parents/Carers Clothes
  • Foot Slab from 4 - 6 Layers of Plaster
  • Knee Slab from 4 - 6 Layers of Plaster
  • Scissors / Blade
  • 2 Trained People:
    • 1 Trained Person to Manipulate
    • 1 Trained Person to Cast [1]

Roles[edit | edit source]

Manipulator[edit | edit source]

Position:

The individual Manipulating the Foot Stands On the Lateral Side of the Foot

Role:

Directs Treatment

Measures the Pirani Score

Manipulates the Foot

Determines the Position of the next cast

Moulds the Cast

Remember: “Assess, Plan, and Treat” [1]

Caster[edit | edit source]

Position:

The individual Casting Stands on the Medial Side of the Foot

Role:

Records Pirani scor

Wraps the padding and casting material onto the leg

Holds the knee whilst the manipulator moulds the cast [1]

Parent / Carer[edit | edit source]

Position:

The parent / carer present where possible should be Breastfeeding or Feeding Baby or Standing by Baby’s Head

Role:

Comforts baby

Keeps baby as still as possible

May help to stabilize the thigh whilst the lower part of the cast is wrapped and moulded.

If the mother is sitting, the manipulator should stand on the mot right if it is a right foot, and the parent/carers left if it is a left foot. The caster stands on the other side. If the mother is going to breastfeed it is best if the child sucks on the breast that is the same side as the foot, i.e. left breast for left foot [1]

Thus:

  • Right Foot = Right Side for Breastfeed = Manipulator on Mother’s Right
  • Left Foot = Left Side for Breastfeed = Manipulator on Mother’s Left

Remember: TWO People Required To Cast [1]

Positions during Casting

What Makes a Good Cast[edit | edit source]

Communication[edit | edit source]

Know who is manipulating and moulding

What is your aim for this cast? Know what poisiton you would like to achieve [1]

Underwrap[edit | edit source]

Each turn is overlapped by half, Creating 2 Layers

Toes are covered and underwrap goes all the way up into the groin

3 layers at the groin to stop rubbing

Wrap Snugly [1]

Plastercast[edit | edit source]

Correct and Continuous Manipulation

Footplate to Tip of the Toes

Complete Below-knee Cast First

Moulding Above Heel to Prevent Slipping

Knee at 90 Degrees

Knee Plate in Bigger Infants

Plaster Goes Right up the Back of Thigh

Trim Back to See Toes [1]

Casting Process[edit | edit source]

Manipulate the Foot[edit | edit source]

Identify Lateral Head of Talus

Manipulate the foot for around 60 seconds to stretch the tight ligaments

Determine the desired position of the foot and communicate this to the caster [1]

Hold Foot for Caster to do Below-knee Part of Cast[edit | edit source]

Manipulator holds the foot by the toes using the tips of his or her thumb and index finger to prevent crowding. The manipulator’s other hand can hold the baby’s thigh as the below-knee part of the cast will be done first

Manipulator keeps their fingers inside the cast, applies cast over the fingers and completely over the toes

Caster Wraps Padding: 3 turns over the toes, overlap each layer by half. The padding can extend up to the top of the thigh

Caster wets the cast and wraps 3 layers snugly over foot and ankle but slightly looser over the calf to prevent unnecessary pressure on the muscles

Complete the below-knee part of the cast first [1]
Casting Process Below Knee

Mould the Cast[edit | edit source]

Manipulator moulds the plaster gently around the foot and above the heel, keeping thumb over LHT moving so as to keep the correction but not to cause an indent. Keep moulding until cast has set. [1]

Remember: Never Touch the Heel [1]

Complete and Trim Cast[edit | edit source]

  • Cast is extended above the knee high into the groin and the knee set at 90 degrees flexion.
  • The manipulator can help the caster now by holding the dried below-knee part of the cast
  • The groin end of the plaster should not stray over the edge of the padding or there will be a sharp edge of plaster irritating the skin
  • A footplate can be added if the plaster is weak. This is simply a flat slab of plaster about 4 - 6 layers thick that is the size of the sole of the foot and supports the sole
  • A knee slab of 4 - 6 layers can also be added to the front of the cast from lower shin to upper thigh if it appears weak
  • Trim the cast back over the toes
  • Discuss cast care with the parents [1]

Remember: Toe to Groin Casts [1]

Removal of Casts[edit | edit source]

Babies who are in the corrective phase of treatment will need cast removal every time they attend the clinic.

  • The cast is soaked in water and then the bandage can be unwound
  • This should be done at the clinic rather than at home as correction can be lost
  • Removal of the cast using a plaster saw is noisy and can make the baby cry
  • Some casters make the removal process easier by scrunching up the last inch of each roll of plaster into a ball so that it can easily be found [1]

Resources[edit | edit source]

Casting Technique[edit | edit source]

The Ponseti method consists of a specific technique of manipulation of the clubfoot deformity, followed by the application of a plaster cast with the foot in the corrected position. A percutaneous tenotomy of the Achilles tendon is done prior to the final cast to gain complete correction in most patients. Bracing with a foot abduction orthosis is necessary to minimize relapse of the deformity. This video provides a demonstration of doctors casting a baby with club feet using the Ponseti Method.

Advanced Casting Technique[edit | edit source]

This video, by Dr Norgrove Penny, shows a one-handed hold to use when manipulating and casting the foot. For beginners, we recommend the two-handed hold taught in the video 'The Ponseti Method of Manipulation', but as your technique develops you may wish to use a one handed hold as an alternative.'

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 Africa Clubfoot Training Project. Chapter 6 Africa Clubfoot Training Basic & Advanced Clubfoot Treatment Provider Courses - Participant Manual. University of Oxford: Africa Clubfoot Training Project, 2017.