Spica casting
Spica casting (also known as a body cast) is essential to helping your child recovery after a bone break or surgery. The resources below can help prepare you and your child for any difficulties they may have while healing.
What is spica casting?
Children may have a hip spica cast (previously referred to as a body cast) to put their hips and one or both legs in the right position to heal. They will not be able to move their thighs or bend at the hips. Children get spica casts when they break a bone in the thigh or have hip surgery. The cast can only be put on in an operating room, where children need to be put to sleep (sedated).Caring for children with spica casts can be challenging for them and the whole family, especially if the children are used to doing most things for themselves. They will now need help with meals, bathing, going to the bathroom and other activities. Someone will have to turn and position them regularly. They can’t be left alone at home because of the danger of falls and injury.Understanding your toddler
During toddlerhood, children are learning that they can control different parts of their daily life. Being able to move around freely is one of the biggest things a toddler has control over. Spica casts reduce a child's mobility, which can make it difficult for a toddler to cope.Common Reactions
- Temper tantrums
- Regression of milestones
- Difficulty separarting from caregivers
- Asking to take off the cast
- Repeatedly asking questions
- Saying "no" more often
