Important Information For Patients With Spica Casts Needing Car Seats

Transport Home for a Child in a Spica Cast

If your child's surgery is scheduled in advance, you will have time to arrange transportation ahead of time. The surgeon is usually able to tell you the approximate size of the cast, that is, how wide it will be, and how much it will bend at the knees. Depending on the width of the abduction of your child’s legs, your child may not fit safely into their car seat. The Orthopaedic Nurse Clinician may  be able to help you determine what would be best.

Sometimes children in spica casts fit in a conventional convertible car seat with lower or no sides and or a wider front such as Diono or Britax seats. It will depend on your child’s weight, height, and age. Children less than 1 year of age often fit into their own infant seat.

Pick-Up Procedure

If your child will be in a spica cast following an Orthopaedic surgery and will need a car seat, arrange with orthopaedics or hospital staff to come to the Trauma Department (located in the main hospital at 747 52nd St., Oakland) and sign an agreement of financial responsibility and a liability waiver.

You will receive a loaner car seat and the manual that you should use along with your vehicle manufacturer manual in order to install the car seat correctly. You will also be provided the Car Seat Checkup Northern California Resource list that provides information on places to have the car seat checked for proper installation in your vehicle.

The Trauma department makes every effort to keep these car seats in stock, but cannot guarantee a supply.

Return Procedure

Please return the car seat to the Emergency Department, located in the main hospital at 747 52nd Street Oakland. The Ambassador will assist you with directions. Check in with an Emergency Department staff member who will print a face sheet and confirm your contact information with you.

Do not leave the car seat in the Orthopaedic Department at the time of your follow-up appointment.

If you have questions please contact the Orthopaedic Nurse Clinician: (510) 428-3238