Broken Arm (Wrist): EXOS BOA Removable Cast - Helpful Tips!

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Last month (6/21) I experienced a Distal Radial Wrist fracture, where I wear my Fitbit on my left wrist. Three weeks out from the initial break and 2 weeks out from surgery, I was given this EXOS BOA removable cast. This video shares my experience with this high-tech cast and provides tips you may find useful should you or a loved one need such a cast. These tips will aid in comfort and minor adjustments that each individual can make to customize their own cast wearing experience.
If there is enough interest in this topic, I'll follow up with a video on how I modified the palm of the cast to take ease the pressure on the nerves which are still sensitive and tingly 3 weeks out from surgery. It was simple, and it worked! Let me know if you have an interest in this in the comments.
-CLEANING THE CAST:
The cast can get a little smelly if you sweat in it and don't wear a cotton sleeve. Since I wear a cotton sleeve between the cast and my skin it has not gotten stinky. The Doctor mentioned that if I do need to wash it, do so in cold water by hand. Hot water will essentially make it a limp noodle. The manufacturer, recommends white vinegar and baking soda cold water wash.
-MORE DETAILS ABOUT HOW HOW I GOT THE INJURY: While at a tournament in Fort Wayne, Indiana I was chasing down a lob over my partner's head, on match point to win the silver medal and possibly qualify for national's. However, my momentum took me a little too far out of balance and into a volleyball roll on my wrist. I don't think I will wear a Fitbit on my wrist again unless it has a breakaway band. Something to consider for sure!
HELPFUL LINKS:
-CBD Butter | Organic Cocoa and Hemp
zatural.com/co...
-Dynarex Stockinette Knit Tube Dressing:
www.amazon.com...
-Cast Padding 6 Rolls 4" x 8ft 100% Cotton
www.amazon.com...
If you have any questions based on my experiences and use of the cast, please leave me a comment and I'll be glad to share what I can.
If you have a medical question, please connect with your doctor.
Thanks for watching, liking, AND subscribing... this helps our channel grow and produce more videos for your enjoyment.
If you feel so inclined, you can make a small donation ($2, $5, $10) to the Mi-Tinker channel which will help us continue making future videos: www.paypal.com...
Happy and healthy healing!
Lynne
mi-tinker.com
#broken, #brokenwrist, #exos, #exosboa, #removablecast, #mitinker, #mi-tinker, #lynnebrown

Опубликовано:

7 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 73

@marys3539 2 года назад

You did a much better job explaining how to use this cast then the tech who put it on. She seem to be quite an experience and I’ve been having quite a bit of trouble with pressure points. I also didn’t even know the proper way to remove it by pulling the strings out. thank you so much for your video and tips!!

@mi-tinker 2 года назад

You are welcome!! I also heated and expanded a few other small spots that were rubbing. Hope you have fast healing!!

@Maillady42 Год назад

I think you should add cast claustrophobia to your title as well! This is a perfect cast for those who suffer from that! I have severe claustrophobia & had to be in a foot/leg cast for 4 long months. I had 4 different casts. I had to go back down to Ortho Indy in Indianapolis & have them cut my casts down the sides & then they wrapped it tight with an ace bandage & that gave me so much anxiety relief! I wonder if they have a cast like this for legs?? This would be a miracle for those of us who suffer from claustrophobia! Thx for sharing! Very useful info!!

@mi-tinker Год назад

Thanks for your comment! I never heard of cast claustrophobia, but I could see where it could happen. Must be quite terrifying! I found that there was nothing better than to give your arm a break (pun intended) from the cast. Thanks for watching and subscribing!

@KT-yq7ed 11 месяцев назад

Cast claustrophobia….yep I think I had that too, however, the first one was applied extremely to tight and my wrist and arm felt like it was in a vice (that was week one)……five days later after second cast was applied, he didn’t pull as tight around the wrist but the top part and palm of the hand was squeezed and ached constantly so in I went back to the office…….this time , after removal, he applied the EXOS Removable Cast….. I only have two weeks to go supposedly, so I have to make this work…..he didn’t even put a Stockenette under it….sweated under it……and it’s so long up my arm I have developed a large lump right above the crease! I can’t call them again!!!!! I’m going to go buy a roll of cotton Stockennett to put under it….another lady used a white sock….the PT guy is on his way and I’ll see what he says about the pressure point at the top…..so just have to say I too felt confined in the cast…….2 more weeks 🤬

@user-ll4fp3mn5y Год назад

Thank you so much! I’ve only wore it for one day and it was extremely uncomfortable and I found your RU-vid. The sock method makes all the difference in the world and I appreciate it. they should actually give you a sock when they fit this item on your wrist

@mi-tinker Год назад

You are welcome, EXOS is tough on skin after a few days, especially with the factory shape. The sock trick helps. Many drug stores also have cotton sleeves you can buy that work well. Cut to length use for 2 days and cut another new length. if you find it is rubbing in one or more spots, try the hairdryer method of reshaping the hot spot to give you more ease. I had to do that for a small bone chip on the outside of the wrist. I used the rounded end of a stone pestle (kitchen tool) to bump out the cast with the hair dryer so it did not rub. You could also use a rounded end of a spoon with the heat. I hope you have a good and speedy recovery!

@tribe56helpall Год назад

Thank you, very helpful. The tech showed me how to loosen my brace while talking to a coworker. Well done posting this video, best wishes!

@mi-tinker Год назад

Thanks for watching and sharing! A lot of us have had similar experiences! Doctor leaves the room and a less experienced medical technician takes over… I’m glad this video helped. I ended up reshaping mine in several places to fit my arm/wrist shape better which helped the chafing and skin irritation. The sock or cotton sleeve also made a big difference. Hope you heal fast and well!!

@marielarteaga1230 Год назад

Oh thank you! I hope you have a full recovery by now. I just got mine yesterday, and I didn’t know how to take it off, I was afraid to hurt myself… more. Really useful advices! ❤

@mi-tinker Год назад

Mariel, thanks for watching. Sorry you have a break. Yes my injury was a year and 4 months ago. I’m happy to say I have great range of motion and have been feeling great for many many months. I even went back to playing pickleball after 4 months (wearing a Carpal tunnel brace for protection) I still have an ever so small area of numbness in my palm that may still go away in time. It however, does not bother me. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions if you have any... The first 6 weeks are the hardest. It gets easier each week from there on!! Best of luck with healing!!🩹💪🏻

@NeverShoutBerenice 2 года назад

I got the same surgery and have this cast on. It’s a lot more comfy than the splint I had for a couple weeks but after a few days of having this cast on it began to put some painful pressure on my wrist. Some really helpful tips, thank you :)

@mi-tinker 2 года назад

Sorry for your injury! Not fun… I ended up modifying the splint even more. Mine was tight at the wrist and palm. Hair dryer and shoe horn helped expand those areas as well. Im now three months out and back to mostly regular activities with 85-90% range of motion. Still have some sensitivity at the surgery site but thankful to be mostly back to every day normal! Best of luck in your healing!

@Maillady42 2 года назад

I had my foot & ankle reconstructed & have multiple pins, plates & screws. I was so Claustrophobic that I made them cut the cast down both sides, then wrap it back up w/a bandage. I wish they would have had something like this because I had to wear it 4 month, non weight bearing! Now they are going to do the right side! Ugh! So I’m definitely going to ask for this! Ty for sharing!! I hope you have healed well!

@mi-tinker 2 года назад

@@Maillady42 Thanks for sharing Terri, sounds like you have had a rough time (ouch!) I hope you heal well and quickly! I'm a little over 3 months out from surgery and doing well. The only time it bothers me, for or the most part, is at night when I have time to think about it. But it is more discomfort rather than pain). PS the other thing that helped me is an over-the-counter carpal tunnel wrist support. Get one with a removable metal spine. These are very good for comfort when you are past the cast stage.

@patriciakinnee8512 Год назад

Just got my exos removable cast and I'm struggling. I agree with others about the sock liner. I still have a lot of swelling and it's been six weeks. I'm to wear this for a month. This video has been extremely helpful! Thanks!

@mi-tinker Год назад

Thanks for watching and hopefully subscribing! Glad the video helped. There are cotton tube sleeves you can get as well that help ease skin stress. Check the description for the link. Hope your break heals soon!

@KT-yq7ed 11 месяцев назад

Lynne ty so much for explaining and showing how to take this thing off…. as another commenter said, you explained it step-by-step, and showed me better than the person that applied it. And he didn’t even give me a Stockennette to put underneath it, 10:03 and I was sweating last night so I’m gonna go out and buy a roll of cotton stockenette…. with your wonderful suggestion I may have a cotton sock around…….I’ll have to look for it maybe try that first save myself some money. I only have two weeks to wear this darn thing and it is too high up my arm and causing a lump and pressure point up at the top right underneath the crease, but after having two cast applied and removed, they gave me this yesterday……… thanks again for your wonderful video.🥰👵🏻

@mi-tinker 11 месяцев назад

You are welcome!!! Pressure points and chafing are no fun. I also, used the hair dryer to expand a few other “tight” spots so it was more to my comfort. Hope you heal well and quickly!

@EddieO258 Год назад

Thanks. The nurse gave very little explanation about adjustments, so this was super helpful!

@mi-tinker Год назад

You're so welcome glad it helped, was able to do a heat adjustment in several places on mine and a cotton sleeve helped a lot! hope you heal well and quickly!

@EddieO258 Год назад

@@mi-tinker The "sock" advice was especially appreciated, as the chafing was the main issue with wanting the cast off. It's my wife's injury and she is feeling MUCH better with your help and thanks you too!

@mi-tinker Год назад

@@EddieO258 great to hear!!!

@binksm689 8 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for a great video. Just got my boa brace on my wrist and your video will be very helpful to me.

@mi-tinker 8 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful! Hope you heal fast!

@SherriColby-dp8im 3 месяца назад

Thanks as others this was bot explained. I had to lol because I've had it one afternoon and had already rummaged through the sock drawer. I did not know how to properly get it off and hurt myself So thank you

@mi-tinker 2 месяца назад

You are welcome. Check the description as well for a roll of cast padding or Dynarex Cotton Stockinette, 2" x 25 yds. Roll these work well. Hope you subscribe and heal quickly!

@bertierose Год назад

Thank you so much! I should have asked more questions, but I was the first patient they used it on. Now I am looking for a sock!

@mi-tinker Год назад

Glad it helped. Cotton socks are best! Hope you feel better and heal fast!!

@lpatrick80 Год назад

Thanks so much. you covered all my questions and then much more. I will get my hairdryer going as my exos needs a little adjusting also. I use old socks for arm covers in gardening - and for long drives in my convertable, but I think I have some more spares!

@mi-tinker Год назад

Thanks for watching and hope you are better soon!

@jonzgurl4ever Год назад

Thank you so much! I just got mine today and couldnt figure out how to remove it.

@mi-tinker Год назад

Glad I could help!

@pambaldridge2659 Год назад

Your video was amazingly helpful! Such great suggestions to improve comfort! I had distal radial surgery on April 25th on my dominate hand, and have not attempted to put on or remove the Exos by myself. I go back to see my surgeon on June 14th. Really appreciate your comment on giving your arm a rest from the splint! How long do you leave it off?

@mi-tinker Год назад

Sorry I did not see your post sooner... I left the splint off for a couple hours at a time, as long as I was not moving around much (like watching TV) I also found that an over the counter carpel / wrist guard (with the removable metal stays) helped when the EXOS was off, It let people know not to bump me and It reminded me not to do anything I should not try to do yet. Let us know how you do!! Hope you are better soon!!

@tonyrowland9216 7 месяцев назад

THAAAANK YOU. My Md missed the frist steps!

@mi-tinker 7 месяцев назад

Glad it helped! Hope you heal quickly and well!

@kerqr295 Год назад

Very efficient when it’s itching

@mi-tinker Год назад

Thanks!

@jackpatteeuw9244 5 месяцев назад

I had a Colles fracture of my left distal radius in December of 2022. Bone healed quickly (6 week), but the swelling in my hand and fingers never subsided. Pain, limited range of motion in hand and fingers, no strength. Finally had Carpal tunnel surgery in Oct 2023. As of today, I still have very low level (1-2) pain. Minor swelling (only noticeable when you compare it to the right hand), about 80% range of motion and 60% strength. I see the doctor next month. I don't know if I will ever above 90% on range of motion or strength.

@mi-tinker 5 месяцев назад

Sorry to hear of continued problems. I'm glad the pain is low... Hopefully more strength comes back!

@malice6477 5 месяцев назад

I was given a few very smooth compression sleeves that are worn underneath when I got mine. I think that sock would bunch up and be uncomfortable.

@mi-tinker 5 месяцев назад

Yes, there are are cotton sleeve materials available. I did not know about it in the early days of my cast... however, I did find it and mentioned it with a quick image in the video and there is a link in the description. The cotton sock worked great... for what I needed at the time... then I found the Dynarex Cotton Stockinette (see link in description) it was smooth and worked well. There are a great many of us that have had Dr offices never provide a sleeve... which is hard to believe. I'm glad your Dr. office provided one!

@joartym6649 8 месяцев назад

I've watch your clip twice now. Six weeks today 17th Dec 23 I had an incident with my gladiola patch. Flowers survived yet I sustained a very painful ulnar wrist fracture😣, (left arm). Anyway the smell of my arm is putrid when I do remove the cast. I'm at that stage where I'm going to "try" and have a shower with 2 arms 🤞, and wash the EXOS cast + sunshine + hair dryer. Do like your idea of using a wrist guard during your TV time. Will look into a supportive one myself. Thank you.

@mi-tinker 8 месяцев назад

Sorry about your break! Glad this video helped you! The cotton sock or tube will help with the smell... airing out during TV is a good idea. Mine feels fine 1 1/2 years later, even some of the original numbness in my palm has gone away. Wishing a speedy recovery and great outcomes!

@ritafitz5372 Год назад

i broke mine,6/2, after the cast, i got this put on, but i can not remove it for 3 weeks till i go back. i wish they would have put a cloth under it. i stick a padding at the other end because of rubbing when i bend my arm. very uncomfortable. thank you for posting this. i am not alone.

@mi-tinker Год назад

Sorry to hear that… I’d call the dr office and have them help u!

@feliciawatson8364 2 года назад

Thank you so much!! This video was a great help!! 🙏🏽💝

@mi-tinker 2 года назад

Glad it was helpful! thanks for watching!

@GearsBusinessSolutions 2 года назад

great explanations and guidance - thankyou :)

@mi-tinker 2 года назад

Glad it was helpful!

@dmchatster 3 месяца назад

How did you break your arm playing pickleball? Running for a lob? Running for a different shot and falling? Having fallen on the court myself, and seemingly fractured my wrist (very minorly), I'm interested in how something as bad as a break would happen.

@mi-tinker 3 месяца назад

Match point for national qualifier. The opponent put a lob over my partner. I sprinted diagonally behind her (and returned it 😜) but my momentum took me into a roll and my left hand took the brunt of the momentum. I also used to wear a Fitbit band (non flexible kind) on that wrist. That is exactly where it broke. I believe it’s rigidity of that band aided in the break. I wear an elastic band now. Still play tournaments 😊

@davidchatfield2348 3 месяца назад

Oh wow. What a great - but painful - story. Thanks for the reply. And my GF found your video helpful, so thanks for that too. Good luck out there.

@mi-tinker 2 месяца назад

Thanks! Fortunately all went well with healing and back to playing tournaments again. 🙌🏼

@badaldarapper Год назад

thnk you so much

@mi-tinker Год назад

Thanks for watching and glad the video helped. Hope u have a speedy recovery!

@reginaworthey1401 Год назад

thanks

@mi-tinker Год назад

You're welcome!

@JBurrmon 2 года назад

I find it that my wires are too short. It's painful to take off.

@mi-tinker 2 года назад

Yikes…That is not good!! I’d suggest you go back to your Dr and get another size and better fitting!! Hope you feel better soon!!! Thanks for watching and I hope you will subscribe!

@melanieboersma6881 2 года назад

What do you do with the little pull clip when you tighten it? We can’t seem to get that little clip back in place, so it’s just loose. Thanks for explaining this, as my sis in law could now change her sock. Also, how do you wash the splint as it smells like hockey equipment. 😂

@mi-tinker 2 года назад

Hi Melanie, If I understand you correctly, the stringed clip (at the end of the wires) is loose and you can't get it tightened. If so, you need use the adjusting button on the cast that says "BOA". It lifts up to loosen and down to tighten. You will hear a click when doing so. This locks and unlocks string mechanism. Lifting the BOA button allows you to pull the string clip out... making it loose. Pushing down on the BOA button down locks it... When it is locked, you then need to turn that same button to tighten/wind in the string clip. It tightens best (less tangle) when the string clip is extended away from the cast. This is not easy to do with one arm. If this does not work for you, see your physician to fix the cast. As for the smell, I surface cleaned the cast with warm (NOT hot) water and a touch of mild dish soap solution on a damp (not wet) washcloth, then room temp fan dry it (not a hair dryer). If that does not work you might try the same type of wash with a couple drops of bleach. But ask your doctors office first before using this method. FYI: using a cotton sock liner between your arm and the cast (or the tube material in the video & description) helps prevent the cast itself from getting stinky. Since it can be easily removed and washed or replaced. Hope this helps!!

@1burkykramer 2 года назад

How to wash it

@mi-tinker 2 года назад

Hi Denise, these things can get rather smelly over time without a protective sleeve between your skin and the cast. I recommend using a cool damp (not wet) sponge or washcloth with 1 or 2 drops of mild dish soap, then rinse the sponge clean and wipe down the cast again with the same, damp (not wet) sponge to remove any soap residue. DO NOT use warm or hot water, it will potentially make the cast lose its form. If it is still smelly, you may try adding a little white vinegar to your rinse solution. Hope this helps!!

@kaarenking3215 Год назад

I will NEVER place this cast again. My reduction actually failed after wearing it.

@mi-tinker Год назад

Not sure how this cast is used for a reduction. Sorry to hear it did not work.

@wendyanne9688 11 месяцев назад

Did you wear a splint cast or regular cast after the reduction and before this exos cast?

@kaarenking3215 11 месяцев назад

My dr used this exos cast as the primary cast. It was horrible.

@mi-tinker 2 месяца назад

I had a temporary cast for 10 days then the exos

@kaarenking3215 2 месяца назад

I had a distal radius fracture. The fracture was reduced in the er. The next day, the orthopedic dr. then had me wear the Exos brace. I just had a distal radius osteotomy to correct my malunion and positive ulnar variance. I did get the plate and alograft. I had to learn a lot and an overcoming my injury. Best to everyone