Full leg cast to be removed. What to expect?

[BobbyDazzler99]

Ds1 fractured his tibia six weeks ago right across the growth plate just below his knee. He’s been in a full leg cast since then.

It’s coming off this week.

Will it hurt? Will his knee be really painful since he’s not bent it for six weeks? Will his leg muscles be wasted away? Lots of exercise to build it up again?

We've been told he still has to use crutches and not put his full weight on it for another month.

Ok
1st it won't hurt to have the cast off it will tickle, they use a small hand held circular saw to cut through the cast and scissors to cut through the padding wrap.

2nd his leg will stink and I mean stink🤢

3rd yes his leg muscles will have atrified some what but as hes younge it shouldn't take to much physio to sort it out

4th although the cast is coming off the break will not be 100% healed it will be about 85-95% healed which is more than enough to be out of the cast but not enough to walk on. Keeping a full leg cast on at this point is more risk than it's worth (risk of dvt) .
He should be completely back to normal well before xmas
Hope this helps put your mind at ease and his leg will be super gross (sorry but its true)

His leg will be very stinky, his muscles will be very weak, he will have to use crutches and have physio. How old is he?

Don't scratch the dead skin off, it will be very sore as well as smelly if he does that. It needs to dry out as it could be a bit gunky looking.

It will be dry. Lots of body lotion will sort that though

Yes yes to the smell!

If he had surgery there will obviously be a wound and dressing, and leg painted pink.

Over the next few days glorious spooner lumps of skin will flake off, because natural exfoliation hasn't been able to happen. It's quite satisfying to peel it! a gentle wash with a flannel will help as will allowing it to get plenty of air circulating. If you can get a chair or stool into your shower and have enough room for his leg unbent, he will be able to have a shower (surgery wound advice pending).

Don't be surprised when the knee doesn't bend well at the beginning. Make sure he does the physio properly when you get it, and don't overdo it.

The leg muscles will look thinner than it's pair, but DON'T overdo exercising it, it will catch up very quickly once he is allowed to weight bear.

Do the physio properly and don't overdo it!

When I had my cast off my leg stank and was covered in flaky white skin. If you have a bath then a good soak in some warm water will do it the world of good. A bit of moisturiser afterwards will help. He may like the support of a tubigrip or something if his knee hurts but the hospital should advise on next steps. The muscles will have physically atrophied and the leg will feel quite weak and 'weird' but this will get better. Just try and park as close as you can to the doors or let him sit whilst you get the car when leaving as it will all feel strange and very exposed.

be prepared for the smell!

if you can afford to, book a couple of private physio sessions to get full range of movement back as soon as possible.

good luck!

pale & weak.
Keep trying to use it but expect slow changes. Use it how docs recommend he should use it.

It migjt look pale and hairier too, mine did!
And I couldnt quite believe my much smaller foot still held 5 toes, but they were all there

My first bath, scraping all the dead skin off the bottom of my foot s something else

Age is a massive factor in this. If he’s very little will recover fast

How old is he?

My DS was in a full cast for 6 weeks and then a half leg cast for another 6. He was 9 at the time. Didn't have or need physio - he recovered very quickly. I don't remember it being smelly but he had the full leg cast changed at least once.

As soon as he's home, long soak in the bath, moisturise with a trowel and for avid sporners, try getting his foot calluses off in one go. Mmm. I've done both legs btw.

He’s 14.

He had the cast changed once after a week to a lighter one.

So he’s been told he has to use to his crutches for a few weeks after the cast is removed.