Efficacy of Leg Casts With Heel Off-loaded in Children

Efficacy of Leg Casts With Heel Off-loaded in Children: Open Randomized Controlled Trial

Assess whether by placing a "custom made" splint with heel in the immediate postoperative period until removal of the cast, the rate of pain, the number of healthcare interventions to maintain the off-loaded heel position and number of pressure sores in children wearing lower limb plaster casts is reduced.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Treated by operations to the lower limbs which require immediate plaster casts that include the foot
• Treated by osteotomy, joint fusion, patella repositioning and fracture fixation
• Children with intact skin at the heel

Exclusion Criteria:

• Caregivers who cannot speak Italian
• Those who refuse to give their consent to take part in the study
• Patients with lower limb casts that are allowed to load the limb