Casts

Types of Casts:
OrthoMaryland uses three types of casts: fiberglass, plaster and waterproof.

1. Fiberglass is the most commonly used material for casts. It applies quickly, dries quickly and comes in a variety of colors. The outer layer of the fiberglass cast is waterproof, however the inner padding is not waterproof. Be careful not to get the cast wet.
2. Plaster casts are used less often than fiberglass casts and come only in white. If a plaster cast gets wet, it will break apart, so patients should make sure water never touches the cast.
3. Waterproof casts are made of fiberglass and a synthetic padding, so they can withstand getting fully wet. However, you must be careful to thoroughly dry the cast after bathing or swimming. It’s important to prevent sand, dirt or salt water from getting inside the cast. If you’re going to the beach, cover the cast with a cast cover or plastic bag.

Cast Care:

1. Always keep the cast clean and dry.
2. When bathing, showering or swimming, cover the cast with a cast cover or plastic bag.
3. If a fiberglass cast gets damp, dry it completely; a hair dryer on the cool setting will help.
4. If you’re unable to dry the cast, or the skin under the cast gets wet, please call OrthoMaryland at 410-377-8900 to have the cast replaced. If the skin is wet for a long period of time, an infection may occur.
5. If your skin underneath the cast itches, don’t scratch it by slipping anything inside the cast -- this may damage your skin and cause infection. Instead, try tapping the outside of cast or blowing air from a hairdryer into the cast.
6. Keep dirt, sand, powder or deodorant from getting inside your cast.
7. Do not pull the padding from your cast.
8. If the doctor allows you to walk on a leg cast, be sure to wear a cast shoe (if the doctor prescribes one). This will prevent you from slipping and minimize wear on the cast.
9. Inspect the cast regularly. If the skin around the cast becomes red or raw, contact OrthoMaryland immediately.

Cast Removal:

1. Do not attempt to remove the cast on your own.
2. When it is time to remove the cast, the doctor’s medical assistant will remove it with a cast saw. Designed specifically for cast removal, the cast saw has a flat, rounded metal blade with teeth that vibrate to cut through the cast without cutting the skin.

After the cast is removed, you can expect the injured area to have a different appearance. The skin may be pale, and the injured part may appear smaller or thinner due to atrophy (a weakening of the muscles). If the cast was over a joint, the joint is likely to be stiff and it will take some time to regain the normal range of motion.