Serial Casting

Purpose

Serial Casting involves the use of plaster and/or fiberglass casts to restore or improve range of motion, reduce muscle contracture, and improve movement and alignment of joints in the arms and legs.

Service Overview

A physician writes a prescription indicating that this procedure will be appropriate for your child based on their assessment or the suggestion of your child's therapist.

How does it work?

Muscles of the involved joint are placed in a lengthened position and a cast is applied. The cast is removed after one week and the joint is moved into its improved range of motion and position; a new cast is applied. In most cases, the cast is soaked off at home the night prior to returning to therapy.

How long will this take?

This process continues until the desired range of motion is obtained and the entire procedure may take from 3 to 12 weeks. The child is able to perform most of their usual activities while undergoing serial casting including walking.

Making It Easy

Because the child must sit still for an extended period of time during this procedure, the child is able to watch a movie while the cast is applied. We also offer a choice of colors for the outside of the cast whenever possible.

Conditions Treated

• Cerebral palsy
• Closed-head injury
• Muscular dystrophy
• Spina bifida/myelomeningocele
• Brachial plexus injury
• Idiopathic toe walking
• Other neurological disorders

Benefits

• Non-painful/conservative method for improving range of motion
• Reduce muscle contractures
• Temporarily reduces spasticity
• Normalizes biochemical joint alignment
• Improve overall postural alignment
• Improve gait pattern