Minerva Cast

Other Names

Illustration of a minerva cast in a naval sailor with a vertebral injury

A child in a minerva cast

• Minerva Cast
• Minerva Jacket

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Background

• This page refers to the minerva cast
  • Extends along the side and in back of the head and neck, chest to hip area
  • Incorporates a plaster-of-Paris headband

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Indications

• Certain cervical spine fractures
• Some variants of scoliosis

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Contraindications

• Unknown

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Procedure

Equipment

• See: Casting materials

Technique

• Needs to be updated

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Aftercare

• Typically non-weight bearing until re-evaluated
• Advise patient to keep cast or splint clean and dry
• Do not insert objects into splint/ cast
• Monitor for complications (worsening pain, paresthesia/ numbness, color changes)
• Seek further care if unable to control pain at home

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Complications

• Plaster burn/ thermal injury
• Pressure sores
• Nerve palsy
• Vascular compromise
• Splint dermatitis
• Permanent joint stiffness
• Skin infection
  • Cellulitis from underlying wound, pressure ulcers
• Respiratory Distress
  • The patient may develop respiratory symptoms if the thoracic component is too tight
  • It can be split down the side(s) similar to a bivalve and spread to allow for expansion
  • Alternatively, it can be removed and re-applied

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See Also

• Casting Main
• Procedures Main

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