SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Cellona Elastic consists of a base fabric of elasticated gauze, coated with crystals of calcium sulphate hemihydrate (plaster of Paris) in the beta form, together with binders and accelerators which hold the fabric in a slightly pretensioned condition. When the bandage is dipped into water, the tension in the fabric is released and the elasticity that is inherent in the bandage, ensures the formation of a close-fitting cast. Cellona Elastic is intended for use as an initial conforming layer in the production of a cast which may be completed using a standard plaster of Paris bandage or a resin reinforced plaster bandage. Cellona Elastic is supplied wrapped around plastic spools that are designed to allow rapid, even wetting of the plaster mass upon immersion. Once wet, the calcium sulphate hemihydrate is converted to the dihydrate, and the bandage sets to form a hard rigid structure, which is both porous and absorbent. The rate of setting is largely governed by the temperature of the water, but if the bandage is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, an initial set will take place in about 2-3 minutes. After about 3-5 minutes, the cast should be fully set, although it may not achieve its maximum strength and become weight-bearing for up to 24 hours, depending upon its thickness. Casts made from Cellona Elastic may be bivalved or windowed about ten minutes after dipping.

Indications

Cellona Elastic may be used for most orthopaedic applications, in which rigid immobilisation is required, including the management of fresh or unstable fractures. The enhanced conformability of Cellona Elastic is claimed to make it particularly suitable for use in prosthetics and mould making, and for holding manipulations and splinting soft tissue repairs. The use of the beta form of calcium sulphate crystals provides a slightly longer moulding time, which is sometimes required for these specialist applications.

Contra-indications

The principal disadvantages of Cellona Elastic, in common with other plaster of Paris bandages, are the weight of the cast and its opacity to X-rays. Once set, the cast is also susceptible to damage by moisture.

Method of use

Cellona Elastic should be applied over a layer of stockinette and orthopaedic padding. Prior to application, the first 10-15 cm of the bandage should be unrolled to enable the rapid location of the end after dipping. The bandage is held lightly in one hand, and immersed in water at an angle of 45 °, at a temperature of 20-25 °C for 3-5 seconds. Any excess water is gently squeezed out and the bandage is rolled evenly around the limb, without tension, avoiding the formation of wrinkles. The need for pleats or tucks is reduced with Cellona Elastic, because of its conformability. As each successive bandage is applied, it should be constantly moulded and smoothed with wet hands to ensure the formation of a homogeneous cast. Any areas of potential weakness may be strengthened by the addition of five or six layers of Cellona Xtra, previously formed into a slab.

Warnings

When applying a cast, it is important to ensure that all bony prominences are adequately padded, and operators should take care to ensure that no indentations are made in the soft plaster that could lead to the application of local areas of high pressure and the formation of plaster sores. Rough finishes on the edges of the cast should also be avoided. If Cellona Elastic is applied to a fresh fracture, sufficient padding should be used to accommodate any subsequent swelling of the limb.

Presentation

Cellona Elastic is available in the form of a roll, wrapped around a plastic core, and sealed in a plastic pack.

Storage

Unopened rolls of Cellona Elastic should be stored in a cool dry atmosphere.

Sizes

10 cm × 2m

12 cm × 2m

Revision Details

This datacard has been prepared from data provided by the manufacturer and/or from published literature.

URL: http://www.worldwidewounds.com/WMPRC/DataCards/HTML/cellona.ela.html
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Mar-2002 10:20:40 GMT