IN THIS LESSON

Splinting and Casting

Types of Casts and Splints:

  • Plaster Rolls

  • Fiberglass

Placing a Cast or Splint

  • Casts and splints are applied over a protective layer, typically cotton or synthetic padding, often with a stockinette to prevent padding migration

  • Fiberglass or plaster must be activated by water before molding- use cold water for fiberglass and warm water for plaster

  • Casts typically extend beyond the joints above and below the injury to provide adequate immobilization and support

  • In cases of acute swelling, the cast may be bivalved or left open with spacers to accommodate edema and prevent compartment syndrome

Warning Signs

  1. Tell your patient to seek urgent care if any of the following occur:

    • Pain or swelling that doesn’t improve with elevation

    • Numbness or tingling in fingers/toes

    • Burning or stinging sensation

    • Inability to move fingers/toes

Plaster rolls

Plaster Rolls

Bivalved Cast

Fiberglass cast

Bivalved cast with plastic spacers

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