Serial casting for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)
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Serial casting for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)
Some children who have developed mild to moderate contractures (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.
Credits
| Author | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology |
| Last Updated | June 25, 2008 |
| Last updated: | June 25, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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