Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is a Shoulder Spica Cast?
A shoulder spica is a cast that is applied to fit around your chest and affected shoulder and arm. Its purpose is to keep your shoulder joint immobilised, supported and protected after surgery.
Before you leave hospital
Your cast will be checked by the Orthopaedic Casting Practitioners before you are discharged home to ensure it fits well, is secure and is as comfortable as it can possibly be.
Once home from hospital
- If your spica is rubbing your skin and causing any discomfort, you should not interfere with or trim it. It is very important that the spica remains completely intact, as it could cause more issues or put unnecessary pressure on your shoulder if you tamper with it. Do not poke anything down the cast to scratch as this could potentially cause a sore. Check your skin regularly around the edges of the spica: if you see any redness or broken skin, you must contact the Plaster Room.
- The cast must remain completely dry! DO NOT attempt to bath or shower whilst in this cast. You can strip wash the parts of your body not in the spica. A damp flannel or baby wipes can be used to access visible skin around the top and bottom of the cast, ensure that all skin is thoroughly dried with a towel after. Do not use any talcum powder or cream under the cast as this can damage the lining and create dampness and possible sores.
- Clothing can prove a little problematic. Larger sizes of tops in a stretchy material are easier to wear over the top, e.g., baggy t-shirts. Trousers or skirts with elasticated waistbands are easier to pull up/down with one hand. Some patients have adapted clothes by splitting down the seams and adding Velcro fastenings.
- You may find to start with that the spica cast will make you feel a little off balance, this is because it is quite heavy and cumbersome. You will soon learn to adapt.
- When resting, it is important to have lots of pillows and cushions around you to make you as comfortable as possible. You may find it easier to sleep either lying on your back or on your non-affected side. Avoid lying partially back or propped up as this can push the spica upwards and cause discomfort.
- Ensure you continue to move your fingers to prevent them stiffening up. Moving the fingers also helps to reduce any swelling of your hand. Some patients find using a stress ball is helpful.
- You can eat and drink normally, however, you may find that smaller, lighter meals are more comfortable. Fizzy drinks are best avoided, as these can cause bloating.
- Travelling is easier on the backseat of the car. You must not drive whilst in the spica cast.
In summary, please contact the Plaster Room if:
- The spica becomes damaged, loose or tight
- Your skin feels or looks sore
- The cast is rubbing
- You notice any abnormal smell, discharge or wetness under the spica
- You feel any continuous pins and needles or numbness to limb or fingers
- Your limb becomes more painful
- You drop any object inside the cast i.e earring, hair grip etc
(We would rather check your cast and you over, and find little or no problem, than you leave it, and a bigger, more difficult to solve issue, occurs.)
The Plaster Room at Frimley Park is open:
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Direct phone number: 0300 613 4339
If you have any problems out of these hours, please contact the Emergency Department - but do not allow ED staff to remove your cast without consulting your Shoulder surgeon or unless in an emergency situation.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Plaster room service.
About this information
Service:
Plaster room
Reference:
N/043
Approval date:
1 November 2025
Review date:
1 November 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.