SMTL Dressings Datacard

Product Name:	Cellona Xtra
Classification Name:	Bandage Plaster of Paris
Manufacturer:	Lohmann UK Ltd

Description

Cellona Xtra plaster of Paris bandage consists of a plain-weave gauze fabric coated with a blend of the alpha and beta forms of calcium sulphate hemi-hydrate (plaster of Paris), together with binders and accelerators. A predominance of alpha crystals in the plaster mass means that less water at a lower temperature is required to ensure full even saturation compared with bandages that have a high content of beta crystals. The high proportion of alpha crystals is also said to increase cast strength, both during setting and subsequently. Once wet, the calcium sulphate hemihydrate is converted to the dihydrate, and the bandage sets to form a rigid, porous, structure. 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 2-2.5 minutes. The cast should be fully set in 3-5minutes, but may not become weight-bearing for up to 24 hours, (depending upon its thickness). Casts made from Cellona Xtra may be bivalved or windowed about ten minutes after dipping.

Indications

Cellona Xtra may be used for most orthopaedic applications in which rigid immobilisation is required, including the management of fresh or unstable fractures. The principal disadvantages of Cellona Xtra, in common with other plaster of Paris bandages, is 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 Xtra 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 at an angle of 45 ° for 5-7 seconds, (until most of the bubbling ceases), in water at a temperature of 20-25 °C. For 8-ply back slabs of Cellona Xtra, used to hold reductions, a higher temperature is recommended - maximum 35 °C, and the dip time reduced to one second. After removal from the water, any excess liquid is gently squeezed out and the bandage is then rolled evenly around the limb, without tension, avoiding the formation of wrinkles. Pleats or tucks should be produced where necessary. 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 bandage, 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 Xtra is applied to a fresh fracture, sufficient padding should be used to accommodate any swelling of the limb.