Plaster of Paris and Other Fracture Immobilization Methods: ICRC Physiotherapy Reference Manual

The second edition of this manual on the use of plaster of Paris (POP) and other immobilization methods for limb fractures was written in collaboration with physiotherapists working in the field. It draws on the expertise of the ICRC’s Physical Rehabilitation Programme in delivering care to people affected by armed conflict, including those suffering from fractures or other trauma. The manual also draws on recent literature and the experience of esteemed experts to provide evidence-based guidance for health-care professionals whose work involves immobilizing fractures.

This manual was designed as part of the ICRC’s training and resource programmes. It is intended for all types of health-care professionals – regardless of their level of academic training – who provide care to people with fractures in conflict zones or as part of humanitarian work.

The objectives of this publication are to:

• serve as a user-friendly guide on how to provide appropriate fracture immobilizations in limited resource settings
• enable users to properly create and use slings, casts, traction and other immobilization methods for limb fractures
• share the ICRC’s expertise in conservative management of open fractures temporarily and/or until healing
• highlight the importance of physiotherapy for patients undergoing immobilization
• improve international health-care standards and recommendations for fracture immobilization.