Wedging of plaster casts is a method of manipulating malaligned long-bone fractures that are being treated non-operatively. The difficulty with this technique lies in localising the fracture accurately so the cast can be sectioned and wedged at the correct level. Traditionally, the level has been estimated by measurements of the radiograph and cast with a ruler, although differing scales can cause problems. Our technique involves placing three drawing pins into the cast near the fracture and taking a radiograph. This allows localisation of the required level with great accuracy. The cast padding prevents the pins touching the skin.
Figure 1.
Cast with three drawing pins.