A spica cast is a hard covering over the waist, hips, and legs that
prevents movement of the hips. A bar between the legs strengthens the cast. An
opening in the genital area allows normal urine and bowel elimination. A spica
cast may be used to keep the hip joint of a child with developmental dysplasia
of the hip (DDH) in the position for normal growth. Spica casts are usually
worn for 2 to 3 months and cannot be removed during this time.
