Casts

Casts and splints are orthopedic immobilization devices used to stabilize broken bones, support injured joints, and protect soft tissue injuries during the healing process. Casts provide rigid, circumferential support, while splints offer adjustable, partial immobilization. Both are commonly used after fractures, sprains, or orthopedic surgery.

A cast is a rigid, circumferential shell that fully encircles a limb to hold a fracture or injury completely immobile, while a splint is a partial, non-circumferential support that allows for swelling. Splints are often applied first after an acute injury, with a full cast applied once swelling subsides.

Cast padding and casting materials are designed for licensed healthcare professionals, including orthopedic surgeons, emergency physicians, nurses, and athletic trainers, who apply and manage immobilization devices. These products are clinical-grade supplies intended for use in hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, and sports medicine settings.

Apply cast padding by starting at the distal end of the limb and wrapping in a spiral pattern, overlapping each layer by about half the width of the roll, working toward the body. Extra padding should be added over bony prominences like the heel or elbow to prevent pressure sores and skin breakdown under the finished cast.

Casting materials for orthopedic use include fiberglass cast tape, plaster of Paris, cast padding, stockinette, splint rolls, and pre-cut padded splints. Fiberglass options are lightweight and durable, while plaster is more moldable and often used for complex fractures. Padding and stockinette are applied underneath to protect the skin.

No, standard fiberglass cast tape is not waterproof, and patients are generally instructed to keep casts dry to prevent skin irritation and weakening of the padding underneath. However, some specialized casting systems are designed to be used wet or dry, allowing limited water exposure when paired with appropriate water-resistant padding.

Choosing the right size casting tape or splint depends on the limb being immobilized, the patient's age and body size, and the type of injury. Narrower widths are typically used for fingers, wrists, and pediatric patients, while wider rolls are used for legs and larger limbs. Always follow the manufacturer's sizing guidelines for best results.

Stockinette is used under a cast to create a smooth, comfortable barrier between the patient's skin and the cast padding or casting material. Stockinette helps reduce friction, prevents skin irritation, and gives the finished cast a clean, professional edge when folded back over the outer layer of casting tape.

Casting supplies should be stored in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and moisture, with packaging kept sealed until the point of use. Fiberglass cast tape and plaster materials are particularly sensitive to humidity, which can trigger premature hardening and render the product unusable before it is applied.

Yes, cast padding is generally compatible with both fiberglass and plaster casting materials and serves the same protective function under either type of cast. Always verify that the specific padding product is appropriate for the casting system being used, as some padding materials are optimized for fiberglass while others are better suited to plaster applications.