Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Serial Casting
Topic Overview
Some children who have developed mild to moderate Reference contractures Opens New Window (knees, ankles, wrists, fingers, elbows) may benefit from serial casting.
Serial casting is a temporary straightening and casting of the affected joint (for about 2 days). The cast is then removed, the child goes through some physical therapy, and a new cast is applied with the joint stretched a bit more.
The procedure is repeated with the joint a little straighter each time. This process continues until maximal straightening has occurred. A resting splint may be worn at night for 3 to 6 months afterwards.
Serial casting may be able to restore the ability to straighten a mildly contracted joint, but it is unlikely to improve severe contractures.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference June 5, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
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