Medical Plaster Bandage (Adhesive Type) for Fracture Fixation

Introduction

This product is a medical plaster bandage (adhesive type). It is applicable to the external fixation of fractures or soft tissue injuries, as well as the making of molds and models. It is made of sized gauze, chemical agents and plaster powder. It is lightweight and hardens quickly. There is ample stock and diverse specifications.

Material Composition and Characteristics

Composition

• The main component of medicaL plaster bandage is plaster of Paris (with the chemical formula 2CaSO₄·H₂O), which is made by heating and dehydrating gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O). When mixed with water, the plaster of Paris will recrystallize and form a hard solid, thus playing a role in fixation.
• The medical plaster bandage part is usually made of fibrous materials such as gauze, which provides a supporting structure for the plaster and enables the plaster to better conform to the shape of the limb.

Characteristics

• Good plasticity: The medical plaster bandage can be shaped according to the shape of the limb. For example, when fixing a fractured arm, doctors can bend and fit the plaster bandage around the curved parts of the arm, just like making a customized mold. It can closely adhere to the surface of the limb, effectively fix the fractured part, and reduce the risk of displacement of the fracture ends.
• Relatively high strength: After solidifying, the medical plaster bandage can withstand certain external forces and provide a stable mechanical environment for fracture healing. For instance, during patients’ daily activities, such as slight limb movements, the plaster bandage can resist these external forces and prevent the fractured part from being injured again.
• Relatively good air permeability: Compared with some completely closed fixing materials, due to the components like gauze, medical plaster bandages have a certain degree of air permeability. This helps to reduce skin problems caused by long-term enclosure, such as dampness and itching of the skin. However, its air permeability is still limited, and skin problems may still occur after long-term use.

Scope of Application and Contraindications

Scope of application

• The medical plaster bandage is mainly used for the fixation of fractures of the extremities, such as fractures of the radius and tibia. It can provide good support and fixation for the fractured parts and promote fracture healing.
• The medical plaster banage is also used for some orthopedic treatments, such as correcting congenital limb deformities or limb deformations caused by diseases. Through long-term fixation, the abnormal shape of the limb can be gradually corrected.

Contraindications

• For parts with damaged or infected skin, it is generally not advisable to directly use plaster bandages, as this may lead to aggravated infection. In such cases, the skin wounds need to be treated first, and the use of plaster bandages can be considered after the wounds have healed or are under control.
• For patients with severe peripheral vascular diseases, the use of plaster bandages needs to be cautious. Because the blood circulation of the limbs of such patients is already problematic, plaster bandages may further affect the blood circulation and lead to serious consequences, such as limb ischemic necrosis.

Usage Methods

Preparatory work

• First, clean the limb part that needs to be fixed, removing dirt, grease, etc. This is to ensure that the plaster can firmly adhere to the skin and reduce the risk of infection.
• Prepare an adequate amount of medical plaster bandages and warm water (generally, water with a temperature between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius is more appropriate). If the water temperature is too high, the plaster may solidify too quickly, which is not conducive to operation; if the water temperature is too low, the plaster may not solidify completely.

Winding process

• Put the medical plaster bandage into warm water. After it is fully soaked, take it out and gently squeeze out the excess water. Then start winding from the distal end of the limb (such as the finger end of the fractured arm) to the proximal end (such as the shoulder). During the winding process, pay attention to the overlapping part of the bandage. Generally, the overlapping width is about 1/2 to 2/3, which can ensure the strength and tightness of the plaster.
• Doctors will shape the plaster while winding it to make it conform to the natural contour of the limb. At the same time, be careful to avoid winding it too tightly or too loosely. If it is too tight, it may affect the blood circulation of the limb, resulting in limb swelling, numbness or even tissue necrosis; if it is too loose, it will not play a role in fixing the fracture.

Solidification and subsequent treatment

• The medical plaster bandage will gradually solidify after winding, and this process usually takes several minutes to more than ten minutes. During the solidification process, the patient should try to keep the limb still.
• After solidification is completed, the edges of the medical plaster bandage can be appropriately trimmed to make them smooth and avoid scratching the skin. Meanwhile, doctors will inform patients of some precautions, such as keeping the plaster clean and avoiding contact with water.

Matters Needing Attention

• When using it, first tilt the product at an angle of 45 degrees or stack the plaster bandages (more than 10 layers) and immerse them in warm water for about 5 seconds until there are no continuous bubbles. Then take it out and squeeze out the excess water. Next, evenly wind it around the affected part and shape it according to the limb. While bandaging, smooth it out with hands. Note that only one roll of bandage should be immersed at a time, and do not immerse multiple rolls in the same basin simultaneously.

Parameters

• Name: Medical Plaster Bandage (Adhesive Type)
• Model: Roll Type
• Specifications: (3 inches) 3″X5Y (7.5cm X 460cm), (4 inches) 4″X5Y (10cm X 460cm), (5 inches) 5″X5Y (12.5cm X 460cm), (6 inches) 6″X5Y (15cm X 460cm)
• Product Description: Generally made of plaster powder, gauze, etc. It is not provided in a sterile state and is not connected with medical devices used inside the body.
• Validity Period: 2 years
• Product Material: Sized gauze, chemical agents, plaster powder
• Product Use: Used for fracture fixation, deformity correction, etc.