Dermatologic cast immobilization complication in a pediatric patient: a case report

Luis D. Vallejo-Leija, Orthopedic Trauma Service, Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Alberto Garduño-Ramírez, Orthopedic Trauma Service, Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
Edson O. Olivares-Ramos, Orthopedic Trauma Service, Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
José A. Moreno-González, Orthopedic Trauma Service, Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
Carlos A. Acosta-Olivo, Servicio de Ortopedia y Traumatología, Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, N.L., México

A 7-year-old patient with no prior medical history was diagnosed with a distal fracture of the left radius and ulna, initially treated with a short arm cast. Two weeks later cast replacement was necessary due to dorsal displacement of the fracture site, which caused pain. Two weeks after the new replacement, she developed dermatosis due to inadequate cast care. The patient was hospitalized for medical management and close monitoring of the infection. During her hospital stay, she underwent periodic clinical evaluation and laboratory test monitoring to assess her response to treatment. Following a favorable response, she was discharged after five days in-hospital care with outpatient instructions for dermatologic care and education for the patient and family to prevent recurrence.

Keywords: Distal radius fracture. Pediatrics. Cast. Dermatosis. Infection. Case report.