Pediatric Casting: Intro to Types and Techniques

Presented by Mary Faussett, Trudy Boulter, and Kerry Mikolaj

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Video Runtime: 38 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 34 Minutes

In this course, occupational and physical therapists will learn about the flexibility and moldability of soft cast and plaster, the strong and effective use of fiberglass, and the flexibility and creativity of polyester cast tape. We will review the products and supplies needed for each casting type as well as various pediatric diagnoses that may benefit from casting in both the upper and lower extremities. You will learn about precautions, indications, and contraindications for casting. You will see a panel discussion with three pediatric therapists (one PT and two OTs) regarding clinical scenarios and diagnoses for which casting was used with their patients for the upper and lower extremities.

Meet your instructors

Mary Faussett

Mary “Peggy” Faussett is an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist. She graduated with a master’s in occupational therapy in 2001 from Chatham University. She became a certified hand therapist in 2012. Peggy currently works at Children’s Hospital Colorado as the program coordinator for the pediatric hand therapy…

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Trudy Boulter

Trudy Boulter is an occupational therapist, certified hand therapist (CHT), and certified burn therapist (BT-C). Trudy works on the burn team at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She provides clinical care for burn patients in the acute inpatient, rehabilitative, outpatient, and aftercare settings. She feels so lucky to work on a…

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Kerry Mikolaj

Kerry Mikolaj is a pediatric physical therapist. She graduated in 2005 with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Regis University. Kerry works on the burn team at the Children's Hospital Colorado Burn Center. She has treated a variety of diagnoses in patients ranging from infants to young adults. Kerry is passionate about…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Introduction to Pediatric Casting

In this chapter, you will learn a variety of indications, precautions, and contraindications you should be aware of when casting your patients. You will learn about the properties of each of the following casting types: soft cast and plaster, fiberglass cast tape, and polyester cast tape.

2. Utilizing Soft Cast With Plaster

In this chapter, we discuss three main ways we use soft cast in our pediatric practice. You will learn how to use soft cast as a stand-alone cast, soft cast with a more rigid stay, and soft cast with Gypsona plaster.

3. Utilizing Fiberglass Cast Tape

The focus of this chapter is how to use fiberglass cast tape. Reasons to place your patient in a fiberglass cast include improving range of motion, decreasing tone, and addressing specific positioning needs.

4. Utilizing Polyester Cast Tape

This chapter focuses on the uses of polyester cast tape. We will review the lightweight properties of this cast tape as well as the creative designs it allows for for both the upper and lower extremities.

5. Casting Panel: Endless Possibilities

A panel of pediatric therapists, including one physical and two occupational therapists, will discuss how they utilize casting daily in their practices. You will hear about a variety of cases and diagnoses in which casting is used and some of the casting techniques that are available for these patients.