Developmental considerations for kids
Casts
Rigid device that immobilizes the affected body part while allowing other body parts to move
- made of plaster, fiberglass often, polyester-cotton
- used for arm, leg, brace, body
NC for patient in cast
Potential complications of cast
NC for cast removal
Traction
Application of a pulling force to the body to provide reduction, alignment, and rest at that site
- includes skin, skeletal, and manual traction
- used to get bones back in place
NC for traction
Assessment for traction
Temperature—extremity and infection
Ropes hang freely
Alignment
Circulation check (5 Ps)
Type and location of fracture
Inc fluid intake
Overhead trapeze
No weights on bed or floor
5 Ps of circulatory check
Pain, pulse–use cap refill if cast covers pulse, paresthesia, paralysis, pallor
Developmental dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
Risk factors for DDH
Dysplasia
Ball is slightly out of socket; least severe
Dislocated DDH
Ball is completely out of the socket at rest
Subluxation DDH
In resting position, the ball is not located normally in the socket; rests partway out of socket
CM for DDH (infant and older child)
DDH tx by age
DDH NC
Congenital clubfoot
Talipes equinovarus; true bone deformity and malposition with soft tissue contracture (can’t be manipulated straight unlike many newborns)
Positional clubfoot
Occurs from intrauterine crowding and responds to simple stretching and casting
Syndromic clubfoot
Assoc with other congenital abnormalities and often resistant to treatment
Congenital clubfoot tx
true/idiopathic clubfoot which usually required surgical correction
Therapeutic management of congenital clubfoot
NC for congenital clubfoot tx
Osteogenesis imperfecta
Brittle bone disease; inherited disease of connective tissue (abnormal pre-collagen but normal calcium and phosphorous)
- infants can be born with fractures
- conn tissue and bone defects