How To Apply a Cast

Fractures Overview of Fractures A fracture is a break in a bone. Most fractures result from a single, significant force applied to normal bone. In addition to fractures, musculoskeletal injuries include Joint dislocations... read more

Other injuries (eg, unstable sprains Overview of Sprains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries Sprains are tears in ligaments; strains are tears in muscles. Tears (ruptures) may also occur in tendons. In addition to sprains, strains, and tendon injuries, musculoskeletal injuries include... read more or dislocations Overview of Dislocations A dislocation is complete separation of the 2 bones that form a joint. Subluxation is partial separation. Often, a dislocated joint remains dislocated until reduced (realigned) by a clinician... read more ) requiring immobilization

Acute fractures or dislocations at risk of continued swelling that could cause ischemia after circumferential casting

Thermal injury (caused by the exothermic reaction of plaster or fiberglass hardening)

Pressure sores Pressure Injuries Pressure injuries are areas of necrosis and often ulceration (also called pressure ulcers) where soft tissues are compressed between bony prominences and external hard surfaces. They are caused... read more

Compromised circulation and/or nerve function

Compartment syndrome Compartment Syndrome Compartment syndrome is increased tissue pressure within a closed fascial space, resulting in tissue ischemia. The earliest symptom is pain out of proportion to the severity of injury. Diagnosis... read more

Stockinette

Roll padding

Plaster or fiberglass casting material*

Strong scissors and/or shears

Lukewarm water and a bucket or other container

Nonsterile gloves

The patient should be positioned so that the operator has appropriate access to the affected extremity.

The extremity should be positioned in the appropriate anatomic alignment for the specific injury.

Choose stockinette of the appropriate width; it should be form fitting but not so tight that it compromises circulation.

Apply stockinette to cover the area (eg, about 5 to 10 cm) proximal and distal to the anticipated extent of casting material.

Place several layers of padding (typically, 4).

Wrap the padding circumferentially, from distal to proximal, over the area to which the cast will be applied. Overlap the underlying layer by half the width of the padding.

Apply the padding firmly against the skin without gaps but not so tightly that it compromises circulation.

Extend the padding slightly (about 3 to 5 cm) past the anticipated extent of the plaster or fiberglass.

Smooth the padding as necessary to avoid protrusions and lumps. Tear away some of the padding in areas of wrinkling to smooth the padding.

Add separate, non-circumferential pieces of padding over and around bony prominences.

Immerse the casting material in lukewarm water.

Gently squeeze excess water from the casting material. Do not wring out plaster.

Apply the casting material circumferentially from distal to proximal, overlapping the underlying layer by half the width of the casting material.

Use 4 to 6 layers of plaster (typically) or 2 to 4 layers of fiberglass to ensure adequate strength of the cast.

Smooth out casting material to fill in the interstices in the plaster, bond the layers together, and conform to the contour of the extremity. Use your palms rather than your fingertips to prevent the development of indentations that will predispose the patient to pressure ulcers.

Fold back the stockinette before adding the last layer of casting material. Roll back the extra stockinette and cotton padding at the outer margins of the cast to cover the raw edges of the splinting material and create a smooth edge; secure the stockinette under the casting material.

Hold the body part in the desired position until the cast material hardens sufficiently, typically 10 to 15 minutes.

Check for distal neurovascular status (eg, capillary refill and distal sensation) and motor function.

Determine functional status (eg, weight bearing on lower extremity or use of upper extremity).

Arrange or recommend appropriate follow-up.

Provide verbal and written instructions.

Advise the patient to elevate the casted extremity above heart level whenever possible for the first 48 to 72 hours.

Advise the patient to keep the cast clean and dry.

Advise the patient not to insert any objects between the skin and the cast and not to cut the cast.

Instruct the patient to watch for complications such as worsening pain, paresthesias/numbness, and color change to the fingers.

Instruct the patient to seek further care if pain cannot be controlled with oral drugs at home.

Applying a cast to a swollen extremity may predispose to compartment syndrome; Compartment Syndrome Compartment syndrome is increased tissue pressure within a closed fascial space, resulting in tissue ischemia. The earliest symptom is pain out of proportion to the severity of injury. Diagnosis... read more a splint may be used for several days until swelling subsides.

As swelling resolves over the week or two after casting, reduced fractures are at risk of becoming misaligned; ensure close follow-up.

Applying cotton padding too tightly may predispose to compartment syndrome.

Not smoothing plaster enough will keep the layers from bonding correctly, creating a weak cast.

Improper joint positioning during immobilization can cause contractures.

Using cooler water increases the time required for the casting material to harden, which will give the operator more time to mold the cast.

Consider adding additional padding over bony prominences to minimize the risk of pressure sores.