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Waterproof Casting For Fractures
Casting are orthopaedic devices that are used to protect and support fractured or injured bones and joints. They help to immobilize the injured limb to keep the bone in place until it fully heals.
Fibreglass and plaster of paris are the 2 most commonly used material for casting.
Advantages of Fibre Glass Casting
- Higher strength to weight ratio
- More resistant to water
- Just as moldable as plaster of paris
- Equivalent in pricing
- More radiolucent than plaster of paris
How is the cast applied?
1.The area is padded with aquacast liner.
2.The fibreglass material is soaked water and dampened to that it becomes soft and moldable.
3.The affected region is wrapped with the fibreglass material.
4.Once set and moulded into position, the cast is ready and will serve its purpose to immobilize as well as stabilize the fracture.
Newer materials for waterproof cast
- Compared to the traditional method, the newer waterproof casting material and technique is more porous and allows the skin area to dry up a lot quicker.
- This new material is more expensive upfront but does not require the use of cast saw to split it open.
- It is locked with clips, hence removal of the cast merely involves unclipping the device.
Advantages of the waterproof cast
1.Waterproof casts allow water to pass through, thus cleansing can take place and less harbouring of debris or bacteria.
2.The newer cast allows the skin to dry a lot quicker due to higher surface exposure.
3.The removal of cast when the fracture heals is a simpler process which does not involve any use of cast saw. We merely have to unclip the cast.
Any possible complications from casting?
Side effects are rare and limited but this includes:-
- The most common complication is pressure sore or ulcer from the cast itself
- Thermal burns
- Cuts from the application of the cast itself
- Joint stiffness