What is the plaster syndrome?
Disease description:
I have been feeling unwell recently and went to the hospital for a checkup. The doctor told me I might have cast syndrome. I don't quite understand what this condition is. I would like to know what cast syndrome is and what symptoms it has.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Gypsum syndrome, medically known as "cast syndrome," primarily occurs after the application of large-area plaster casts. Due to compression and restriction of movement by the plaster, a series of physiological functional impairments may develop. This condition is commonly seen in patients who have undergone long-term plaster immobilization following extensive limb fractures.
The main clinical manifestations of this condition include the following aspects:
1. Respiratory system complications: Large-area plaster immobilization can restrict thoracic movement, impairing lung expansion and contraction, leading to compromised respiratory function and increasing the risk of complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia.
2. Circulatory impairment: Plaster immobilization may cause local circulatory obstruction, resulting in symptoms such as limb swelling, pale or cyanotic skin, and numbness.
3. Acute gastric dilation: Prolonged plaster immobilization may also lead to acute gastric dilation, presenting with symptoms such as upper abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, abdominal fluid thrill, and diffuse tenderness.
4. Muscle atrophy and joint stiffness: Long-term immobilization can result in disuse muscle atrophy and reduced joint range of motion, often requiring prolonged rehabilitation therapy during the recovery phase.
