Cast Care

General information

Casts are used to help immobilize an injured part of the body after fractures, surgery, or other injuries. Splints are “half casts” that immobilize the fracture, although not as rigidly as a full cast. Splints allow for swelling while immobilizing a fracture. They are usually used in the immediate postinjury or postoperative period, before changing to a cast.

Casts are usually applied by placing padding over the injured extremity, then wrapping it with gauze saturated with plaster of paris; alternatively, the cast may be made of fiberglass. Before the injury heals, it may be necessary to change the cast one or more times. The time that the cast remains in place depends on how much time is needed for healing. Some casts are needed for only 2 weeks, whereas others are needed for several months. Radiographs through the cast will determine whether bone alignment is satisfactory and later are used to check for signs of bone healing.

Care of the cast

• Do not allow pressure on any part of the cast until it is completely dry. Pressure on a cast that is not completely dry may result in a depression in the cast that may create pressure on the skin underneath, making ulcer formation likely. The time required for drying varies, depending on the thickness of the cast and the ambient temperature and humidity. Drying of a plaster of paris cast can take 24 hours or longer.

• If the cast accidentally gets wet, and a soft area appears, return to the doctor’s office, emergency room, or outpatient surgical facility for repairs or to have the cast changed. This should be done as soon as reasonable, within 24 hours after the cast gets wet.

• Do not get sand in the cast.

• Do not put anything inside the cast, including items intended to scratch an itchy area.

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