Our Trauma and Orthopaedic Department provides a wide range of musculoskeletal services, from orthopaedic medicine to complex surgery. The musculoskeletal system includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves, all essential for movement and activity. Trauma refers to serious injuries to the body.
Our highly‑qualified orthopaedic consultants carry out a full range of procedures, including keyhole surgery and advanced navigation techniques so that is as non-invasive as possible.
What we do
Our orthopaedic medical and nursing teams provide:
- Children's orthopaedic services
- Day case and inpatient surgery, including hip and knee repair or replacement
- Elective (planned) outpatient clinics
- Fracture clinics
- Nerve conduction studies
- Orthopaedic interface service – clinics providing treatment options to help avoid or delay surgery, such as injections and biomechanics
- Plaster room facilities
- Pre‑operative assessments
- Pre‑operative education classes for patients and carers preparing for joint replacement surgery
- Therapy‑led services
- Upper limb, foot and ankle services
- X‑ray facilities (two rooms in the Royal Bolton Hospital outpatient department and one at Bolton One)
Plaster Room
Our plaster room applies and removes casts that help broken bones heal by holding them in place. Casts are usually made from bandages with a plaster of Paris outer layer and typically stay on for 4–12 weeks.
It is located on the ground floor, F Block, Royal Bolton Hospital.
How to care for your plaster cast
- Keep your limb elevated on a soft surface (e.g., a pillow) for the first few days to reduce swelling and help the cast dry.
- Keep your cast dry. Wet casts weaken and may no longer support your bone properly.
- Discuss waterproof protectors with your healthcare professional.
- If your cast feels itchy, do not insert anything inside it. Itching usually improves after a few days.
- Exercise joints not covered by the cast (e.g., fingers, toes, elbow or knee) to improve circulation.
- Avoid powders, sprays, and small objects near or inside the cast.
- Do not alter your cast or attempt to adjust its length or shape.
- Avoid heavy lifting or driving until the cast is removed.
- Use crutches or a sling if advised.
- Consider painkillers if needed.
Supporting children and people with sensory needs
Having a cast fitted can feel worrying, especially for young children or people with sensory or learning needs. Our team is always on hand to support and reassure you.
We also provide a guide to help you or your child understand the casting process in advance.
Patient Information
Here you will find resources to help you prepare for planned surgery, including total knee, hip or shoulder replacement procedures. These videos and presentations explain what to expect during admission, recovery, and rehabilitation.
If you and your surgeon agree that replacement surgery (knee, hip or shoulder) is the best option, you will receive personalised guidance during your pre‑operative appointments.
