Kipsissä

Kipsissä is a Finnish term referring to being in a plaster cast, typically applied to immobilize a broken bone or after surgery. The cast prevents movement at the injury site to allow bones and tissues to heal correctly. In everyday language, kipsi refers to the cast itself, while kipsissä means “in plaster.”

The cast is usually made from plaster of Paris or modern synthetic materials such as fiberglass. Traditional plaster casts are heavier and more porous, drying slowly, while synthetic casts are lighter, stronger, and often water resistant. The casting process involves swelling management, limb positioning, and molding of the cast around the injured area to ensure stable immobilization.

Care and use are important during the wearing period. The area should be kept elevated when possible to reduce swelling, and the cast should be kept dry unless it is specifically designed to be water resistant. Do not insert objects under the cast to scratch an itch, and avoid activities that could cause trauma to the cast or injury to the skin beneath. It is common to experience some itching, discomfort, or warmth inside the cast as healing progresses.

The duration of wearing a cast varies with the type and severity of the injury, typically ranging from a few weeks to several weeks. Removal should be performed by a healthcare professional using a specialized saw; self-removal can cause skin damage. Follow-up visits and, when appropriate, physical therapy help restore strength and mobility after the cast is removed.

Possible complications include skin irritation, pressure sores, swelling, infection near the edges, or cast cracks. If there is severe pain, numbness, a foul odor, or the cast becomes very loose, medical evaluation should be sought.