A hip spica cast helps to keep the hip joint in place after surgery. Learn why a child needs a hip spica cast and how the cast is applied.
Key points
A hip spica is a special type of cast that helps keep hip joint in place for healing after surgery.
A doctor or orthopaedic technologist will apply a cast made of fibreglass or a combination of plaster of Paris and fibreglass.
Introduction
What is a hip spica cast?
A hip spica is a special type of cast that helps keep hip joint in place following surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip. The length of the hip spica will vary depending on the injury. It usually extends anywhere from the mid-chest down to the feet. There is a hole in the cast that exposes the groin area, so your child is able to urinate and pass stool (poop).
Treatment
Applying the cast
A doctor or orthopaedic technologist will apply a cast made of fibreglass or a combination of fibreglass and plaster of Paris. The cast has soft padding and will feel warm to your child when it is first applied. Fiberglass can take up to 40 minutes to dry. Plaster of Paris cast can take up to 48 hours to dry. Do not cover the cast. This will help make sure that it dries properly.