Shriners Children’s New England Highlights Waterproof Casting for Enhanced Pediatric Recovery
Shriners Children’s New England is promoting the benefits of waterproof casts for children recovering from broken bones, particularly during warmer months. According to Keri Garry, a pediatric nurse practitioner at the facility, traditional casts pose a significant challenge in staying dry, which can lead to mold, bacteria growth, skin irritation, and infection. Waterproof casts, which use a breathable, latex-free liner instead of moisture-absorbing cotton padding, allow children to participate in water activities like showering and swimming while healing. This technology aims to improve the recovery experience by enabling kids to maintain a more active and comfortable lifestyle, reducing the feeling of being sidelined due to their injury. While not suitable for all types of fractures, waterproof casts are an option for many wrist, hand, forearm, and short arm injuries, and patients may be able to switch to one later in the healing process. 
