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Spica cast

A spica cast is a hard covering over the waist, hips, and legs that prevents movement of the hips. A bar between the legs strengthens the cast. An opening in the genital area allows normal urine and bowel elimination. A spica cast may be used to keep the hip joint of a child with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in the position for normal growth. Spica casts are usually worn for 2 to 3 months and cannot be removed during this time.

Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD
- Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Thomas S. Renshaw, MD
- Orthopedics
Last Updated May 15, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 15, 2007
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