Full Project – Role of orthopedic cast technician in the management of ankle injury

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Ankle injury is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries affecting people of different age groups across the world. It occurs frequently among athletes, workers, students, and individuals involved in daily physical activities. An ankle injury may involve sprains, fractures, ligament tears, dislocations, and soft tissue damage around the ankle joint. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022), musculoskeletal injuries contribute significantly to disability and reduced productivity globally. Among these injuries, ankle injuries account for a large percentage of emergency and orthopaedic hospital visits.

The ankle joint plays a vital role in body movement, stability, and weight-bearing activities. Any injury to this joint can limit mobility and negatively affect an individual’s quality of life. Severe ankle injuries may lead to long-term pain, instability, deformity, and disability if not properly managed. The increasing incidence of road traffic accidents, sports injuries, falls, and occupational accidents has contributed greatly to the rise in ankle injuries in many developing countries, including Nigeria (Akinbo et al., 2021).

The management of ankle injuries involves accurate diagnosis, reduction of fractures or dislocations, immobilization, rehabilitation, and follow-up care. Different healthcare professionals work together in the treatment process to ensure proper healing and recovery. Among these professionals is the orthopaedic cast technician, whose role is highly important in the successful management of ankle injuries.

An orthopaedic cast technician is a trained healthcare professional responsible for the application, removal, maintenance, and monitoring of casts, splints, braces, and other immobilization devices used in orthopaedic care. Orthopaedic cast technicians work closely with orthopaedic surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, and other healthcare workers in managing fractures and related injuries (Campbell, 2020). Their specialized skills help ensure proper immobilization of injured bones and joints, thereby promoting healing and preventing complications.

In the management of ankle injuries, orthopaedic cast technicians assist in preparing patients for casting procedures, selecting appropriate casting materials, applying casts correctly, educating patients on cast care, and monitoring patients for complications such as swelling, pressure sores, infections, and circulation problems. Proper casting is essential because poor cast application may lead to malunion, delayed healing, compartment syndrome, or permanent deformity (Onuminya & Ukegbu, 2019).

The contribution of orthopaedic cast technicians has become increasingly important with advancements in orthopaedic treatment techniques and materials. Modern casting materials such as fiberglass and synthetic splints require technical knowledge and practical skills for proper application. Orthopaedic cast technicians therefore provide valuable support in improving patient outcomes and reducing recovery time.

In Nigeria, orthopaedic healthcare services continue to face challenges such as shortage of trained professionals, inadequate equipment, and poor healthcare infrastructure. Despite these challenges, orthopaedic cast technicians continue to play a significant role in trauma and fracture management in hospitals and orthopaedic centers. Their services help reduce the workload of orthopaedic surgeons and improve efficiency in patient care delivery.

Furthermore, patient education provided by orthopaedic cast technicians contributes significantly to successful treatment outcomes. Patients with ankle injuries require guidance on weight-bearing restrictions, cast maintenance, hygiene, exercises, and signs of complications. Effective communication between orthopaedic cast technicians and patients helps improve compliance with treatment instructions and prevents avoidable complications.

Studies have shown that effective immobilization and proper follow-up care significantly improve recovery outcomes in patients with ankle injuries (Salawu et al., 2020). Therefore, the role of orthopaedic cast technicians cannot be overlooked in modern orthopaedic practice. Their technical expertise, patient care responsibilities, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals make them an essential part of the healthcare team involved in ankle injury management.

This study therefore seeks to examine the role of orthopaedic cast technicians in the management of ankle injury, their contributions to patient recovery, challenges faced in practice, and ways of improving orthopaedic care services.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Ankle injuries have become increasingly common due to rising cases of road traffic accidents, sports activities, falls, and occupational hazards. These injuries often result in pain, reduced mobility, temporary disability, and in severe cases, permanent deformity when not properly managed. Effective treatment of ankle injuries requires accurate diagnosis, proper immobilization, continuous monitoring, and adequate rehabilitation.

Despite the importance of orthopaedic care in ankle injury management, many healthcare facilities in Nigeria experience challenges related to inadequate staffing, shortage of trained orthopaedic personnel, and poor access to modern treatment materials. In many hospitals, insufficient attention is given to the role of orthopaedic cast technicians, even though they are directly involved in casting procedures and patient care.

Improper application of casts and splints may result in several complications such as poor bone alignment, pressure sores, swelling, nerve damage, infection, delayed healing, and patient discomfort. In some cases, patients suffer prolonged recovery periods due to poor immobilization techniques and inadequate follow-up monitoring. These complications may increase healthcare costs and negatively affect patients’ quality of life.

Furthermore, there is limited awareness among the public and some healthcare stakeholders regarding the contributions of orthopaedic cast technicians in the management of ankle injuries. Most attention is often focused on orthopaedic surgeons, while the technical and supportive roles played by cast technicians are overlooked. This lack of recognition may affect professional development, training opportunities, and resource allocation for orthopaedic cast services.

Another major problem is the shortage of modern casting equipment and materials in some healthcare institutions. Orthopaedic cast technicians may also face challenges such as inadequate training, excessive workload, poor working conditions, and limited opportunities for continuing professional education. These challenges can reduce the effectiveness of their services and ultimately affect patient outcomes.

Therefore, this study aims to investigate the role of orthopaedic cast technicians in the management of ankle injuries, assess their contributions to patient care, identify challenges affecting their performance, and suggest possible solutions for improving orthopaedic treatment services.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to examine the role of orthopaedic cast technicians in the management of ankle injury.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Examine the responsibilities of orthopaedic cast technicians in ankle injury management.
2. Assess the contribution of orthopaedic cast technicians to patient recovery.
3. Identify challenges faced by orthopaedic cast technicians in healthcare facilities.
4. Determine the effect of proper cast application on the healing of ankle injuries.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. What are the responsibilities of orthopaedic cast technicians in the management of ankle injuries?
2. How do orthopaedic cast technicians contribute to patient recovery?
3. What challenges do orthopaedic cast technicians face in healthcare facilities?
4. What is the effect of proper cast application on ankle injury healing?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀: There is no significant relationship between the role of orthopaedic cast technicians and effective management of ankle injuries.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between the role of orthopaedic cast technicians and effective management of ankle injuries.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to orthopaedic surgeons, orthopaedic cast technicians, nurses, physiotherapists, healthcare administrators, students, and researchers.

The study will help orthopaedic cast technicians understand the importance of their professional responsibilities in ankle injury management. It will also provide information on best practices for cast application, patient care, and complication prevention.

Healthcare administrators may benefit from the findings by identifying areas where training, equipment, and staffing improvements are needed in orthopaedic departments.

The study will also contribute to academic knowledge by serving as reference material for future researchers interested in orthopaedic care and injury management.

Furthermore, the findings may help improve patient outcomes through better orthopaedic cast practices and increased awareness of the importance of orthopaedic cast technicians in healthcare delivery.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the role of orthopaedic cast technicians in the management of ankle injuries, with particular emphasis on their responsibilities, contributions to patient care, challenges encountered during practice, and their impact on treatment outcomes. The study examines how orthopaedic cast technicians assist in the application and removal of casts, monitoring of patients, patient education, and prevention of complications associated with ankle injury treatment.

The study is limited to selected orthopaedic and trauma healthcare facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria, where ankle injury cases are commonly managed. A real-life case study approach will be adopted using selected hospitals such as the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi and other trauma care centers within Lagos State. These hospitals were selected because they regularly manage patients with fractures, ligament injuries, dislocations, and other ankle-related musculoskeletal conditions resulting from road traffic accidents, sports injuries, falls, and occupational hazards.

The study will involve orthopaedic cast technicians, orthopaedic surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, and selected patients receiving treatment for ankle injuries within the chosen healthcare facilities. Attention will also be given to the practical experiences of orthopaedic cast technicians in handling ankle injury cases, the methods of cast application commonly used, and the effectiveness of conservative treatment approaches in patient recovery.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

The researcher may encounter limitations such as inadequate funds, limited access to medical records, shortage of relevant materials, and time constraints during the course of the study. Some respondents may also be unwilling to provide complete information. Despite these limitations, efforts will be made to ensure the reliability and validity of the study.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Orthopaedic Cast Technician: A healthcare professional trained in the application, removal, and maintenance of casts, splints, and braces used in orthopaedic treatment.

Ankle Injury: Damage to the bones, ligaments, tendons, or soft tissues around the ankle joint caused by trauma or accident.

Cast: A rigid dressing made of plaster or fiberglass used to immobilize injured bones or joints during healing.

Immobilization: The process of restricting movement of an injured body part to promote healing.

Fracture: A break or crack in a bone.

Rehabilitation: The process of restoring normal function and mobility after injury or treatment.

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Full Project – Role of orthopedic cast technician in the management of ankle injury