Hip Spica Cast: The Technique
Peer review has expired on this program. It is the viewer’s responsibility to determine the educational value of this historical content.Peer review has expired on this program. It is the viewer’s responsibility to determine the educational value of this historical content.Hip spica cast is the standard of care for fracture management and postoperative immobilization in pediatric orthopaedic surgery. The technique of application of hip spica cast is an art. Surprisingly, educational material focusing on the principles of hip spica cast application is sparse. This video provides technical tips for proper application of hip spica cast. It demonstrates patient positioning on the spica table and proper application of a stockinet. It also discusses webril and fiberglass casts and how to trim them. It describes the figure-of-8 reinforcement of the spica cast with recommendations on how to avoid pressure points and skin-related complications. It demonstrates various options that could be used during hip spica application including pantaloon liner, bar between the legs, and finishing touches with tapes. This video provides educational material for residents, fellows, and orthopaedic surgeons.