SMTL Dressings Datacard

Product Name:	Gypsona S
Classification Name:	Bandage Plaster of Paris
Manufacturer:	Smith & Nephew Healthcare Limited

Description

Gypsona S consists of a plain weave gauze fabric that is coated with a blend of the alpha and beta forms of calcium sulphate hemihydrate (plaster of Paris), together with binders and accelerators. The bandages are supplied wrapped around plastic spools which are designed to allow rapid, even wetting 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 two minutes. The cast will be fully set in about 3-5 minutes, although it may not achieve its maximum strength and become weight-bearing for up to 24-48 hours.

In common with other plaster of Paris bandages, the principal disadvantages of casts made from Gypsona S lie in their weight, their opacity to X-rays, and their susceptibility to damage by moisture.

Indications

Gypsona S may be used for most orthopaedic applications in which rigid immobilisation is required, including the management of fresh or unstable fractures.

Method of use

Gypsona S 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 ° in water at a temperature of 20-25 °C, until bubbling ceases. After the bandage is removed from the container, any excess water is gently squeezed out.

The bandage is then rolled evenly around the limb, without tension, avoiding the formation of wrinkles but producing pleats or tucks 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 cause local areas of high pressure leading to the formation of plaster sores. Rough finishes on the edges of the cast should also be avoided. If Gypsona S is applied to a fresh fracture sufficient padding should be used to accommodate any swelling of the limb.