Slipper cast management of emergency foot problems

• Published in: The American journal of emergency medicine Vol. 23; no. 3; pp. 343 - 346
• Main Authors: Smith, Gillian D., Hart, Raymond G., Wolff, Thomas W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Elsevier Inc 01-05-2005; Elsevier; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy; Ankle; Ankle - surgery; Biological and medical sciences; Casts, Surgical; Emergency and intensive care: techniques, logistics; Emergency medical care; Emergency medical services; Emergency preparedness; Emergency Service, Hospital; Foot - surgery; Foot diseases; Hospitals; Humans; Injuries; Intensive care medicine; Intensive care unit. Emergency transport systems. Emergency, hospital ward; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous; Surgery; Intensive care; Clinical management; Emergency; Resuscitation
• ISSN: 0735-6757; 1532-8171
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2005.02.022

Foot conditions are frequently seen in the emergency department. In many cases, although weight bearing is painful, it is not precluded, per se. When a soft dressing does not provide sufficient support, a below knee walking cast may be applied. We present an alternative dressing that may be of benefit in selected foot injuries. The dressing is fashioned with cast padding, foam sheeting and plaster. It is designed and molded to fit like a slipper. The plaster slipper has distinct advantages in that it is comfortable, lighter for the patient, and avoids the problem of ankle stiffness. We believe that this option is underused in the emergency setting.