Help! My 2yo niece just broke her femur and is a spica cast - waist and down both legs (one leg below knee and one upper thigh) for 3 months. Are there any open-sided strollers for her? Is my only resort a wagon? Also,has anyone used beanbag chairs with a spica-casted child? Thanks a lot!
If you do a Google search on "spica casts" or "what is a spica cast" or etc., lots of sites will come up... and give you tips.
And the care of it etc.
Perhaps, you can ask the Doctor.... and maybe medical supply stores, might have something for a child in this situation...
Here is a link for example:
http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/ped...
I did a lot of research for a good friend's daughter who was going to need one. From what I read, cheap umbrella strollers work best. There's also some type of special table on the market... I hope this helps.
My son was only 7 mo. old when he had a spica cast (hip surgery). We put a firm pillow under his bottom to allow him to sit in a bouncy chair & a high chair, but he had to sit sideways. For a stroller I would make sure it has a five point harness (maybe a jogging stroller), put a firm pillow or rolled towels under her & fasten the harness snuggly.
Yes, I have used a bean bag chair for my spica casted child. It was wonderful because I could change his position easily so he wasn't in the same position all the time.
My son was only in his cast for 10 weeks then another 8 weeks or so in a harness. All in the middle of summer (yuck!).
I would be happy to give any other suggestions if you or her mom have any questions!
God bless!
My son was 2 when he broke his femur and was put in a spica. They had told me he would be in it for 3 to 4 months. 2 year olds heal VERY fast. He was only in his for 4 weeks! The only way I found to transport him around was a wagon filled with pillows. For the first week he pretty much just laid in bed but it didn't take him long to figure out he could pull himself around on the floor. Also I found that a skateboard with a small pillow was another way he could get around although he did run over his fingers a few times. If there is a pediatric physical therapist in your area they usually have all kinds of great ideas. I hope your niece heals quickly too.
Just one last note I found that dealing with the pain afteward was worse than dealing with the cast. He lost so much muscle in that one leg that he could not stand when they took the cast off. He had to learn to walk all over again.
