Casting for Emergency Medicine Providers: Colles Reduction Cast

Course Title: Casting for Emergency Medicine Providers: Colles Reduction Cast
Course Duration: 3–4 hours

I. Introduction (15 mins)
• Welcome and Course Overview
• Learning Objectives
• Brief Overview of Colles Fracture

II. Anatomy and Mechanism of Injury (15 mins)
• Lecture & Discussion
o Relevant anatomical structures
o Mechanism of Colles fracture (FOOSH – fall on outstretched hand)
o Typical fracture pattern and displacement

III. Traction Techniques for Reduction (30 mins)
• Demonstration
o Manual traction fundamentals
o 2-person vs. 3-person traction
o Optimal hand-off for casting

IV. Proper Casting Technique (90 mins)
• Demonstration + Supervised Practice
o Selection of casting materials
o Application of short arm cast to maintain reduction
o Positioning: flexion and ulnar deviation
o 3-point mold technique
o Troubleshooting during application

V. Cast Removal (15–20 mins)
• Demonstration and hands on
o Safe use of cast saw
o Techniques to avoid cast burns
o Cast splitting for swelling

VI. Principles of Safe and Effective Casting (30 mins)
Lecture
o Identifying and preventing:
▪ Pressure points/sores
▪ Neurovascular compromise
▪ Cast too tight/loose
▪ Loss of reduction

VII. Patient Education (10 mins)
• Discussion
o Teaching cast care
o Elevation
o Identifying red flags: swelling, numbness, color change

VIII. Q&A and Wrap-Up (10–15 mins)
• Recap of Key Concepts
• Answer Questions

Agenda link here: Colles Reduction Cast Agenda

Objectives:
1. Identify the anatomical structures involved in a Colles fracture.
2. Utilize efficient manual traction techniques.
3. Perform optimal 2 person and 3-person traction handoff for casting.
4. Select appropriate casting materials.
5. Pinpoint key anatomical landmarks.
6. Perform application of a short arm reduction cast.
7. Maintain correct wrist position during casting.
8. Understand how to prevent common complications such as pressure sores, cast tightness,
neurovascular compromise.
9. Minimize the chances of losing reduction.
10. Provide appropriate patient education.
11. Use cast saw confidently and safely.
12. Mitigate cast burns

**As Per CPD Medicine policy, a $50 administrative fee will be withheld to cover transaction and administrative costs.**