What is a hip spica cast?
A hip spica cast is a special type of cast that helps keep the hip joint in place following surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip.
Transportation home with a hip spica cast
Having a hip spica cast may make it difficult for your child to fit safely in their car seat. There are many accommodations to safely transport your child in a hip spica cast. The safest restraint system for your child will depend on a few factors, including your child’s age and weight, how wide apart your child’s legs are set in the cast, and how much of the cast bends at the knee.
If your child is small, their regular car seat may not be suitable. They may need a conventional car seat with low sides and longer crotch straps to allow space for the spica cast. A spica cast car seat may be needed if your child cannot be safely fitted into a conventional car seat. You will be responsible for arranging safe transportation home for your child.
Options for conventional low-profile car seats for children under 2 years old or under 9 kg
All-in-one convertible car seat
$350 to $450
4-in-1 convertible car seats
$300 to $400
*If you are purchasing a new car seat, please note that the seat will not be assessed for suitability until after surgery. It is advised to confirm the vendor’s refund policy as your child may not fit safely in the car seat, and alternative transportation will need to be arranged.
Options for children greater than 11.3 kg
Spirit Spica rental (greater than 11.3 kg)
Monthly rental programs are available for a low and wide side profile car seat, designed to accommodate a spica cast. The Spirit Spica includes positioning wedges for multiple seating configurations and optional seat depth extenders and back cushions. Below are a couple of rental options.
- Medics Mobility: $445 per month
www.medicsmobility.ca - National Seating & Mobility: $275 per month
4279 Steeles Ave West
Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 5 pm
Options for children over 2 years old and greater than 9 kg
EZ-On vest
According to Transport Canada, a modified safety vest may be suitable for your child if they are required to be transported lying down and meet the recommended weight and height requirement of the vest.
The EZ-On vest is for children who are 2 to 12 years old and 9 kg to 45 kg. It must be used on a bench seat in a vehicle that has space for your child to lay across the seat.
The cost of the vest is $324.17 and must be paid by credit card. If you have insurance coverage, your child’s health-care provider can provide you with a prescription for reimbursement purposes.
Other modes of transport for children who cannot use a car seat or EZ-On vest
- taxi
- private ambulance
- public transport (e.g., TTC, buses, Go Train)
These types of transport are exempt from the regulatory requirement for a car seat per the Ministry of Transportation. These do not include shared riding, such as Uber.
Parents may arrange for a private ambulance to safely transport children who cannot use any of the car restraints listed. This cost is not covered by OHIP. However, it is covered by many private health insurance plans. Please check your plan first to see what will be covered and what documentation you will need to provide to get reimbursed. Transportation will also be required for all follow-up appointments to the Orthopaedic Clinic if car restraints, such as a car seat or EZ-On vest, are still unusable at follow-up.
If you require financial assistance, please let your nurse know, and a referral for inpatient social work can be placed for your child. Please note that patient amenities funding is based on gross household income.