Fiberglass cast application.

Abstract

Plaster of Paris has been largely superceded for casting in orthopedic departments by synthetic cast materials. Despite its weight, its relative brittleness, its unpopularity with patients, and its messiness in application, plaster of Paris remains the mainstay of casting in the emergency department. This is due to a combination of economic reasons, the belief that synthetic casts leave less room for swelling and its relative ease of application compared to synthetic materials. We present a technique for synthetic cast application that avoids the problems of the rapidly setting cast and therefore allows the time for less experienced hands to produce a well-fitting cast or splint. We believe that this option, which allows the patient to have a lighter synthetic cast, rather than the traditional plaster of Paris cast, will be welcomed by both the patient and physician.