Aircast vs. Fiberglass Cast

The goal of a cast is to immobilize the affected area as well as provide support and protection. Casts come in three forms: plaster, fiberglass and air casts. Fiberglass casts and air casts are more common than plaster casts. While the goal of the each is the same, how they are used and what the wearer of the cast can or cannot do varies depending on the type.

Removable

• A fiberglass cast is a hard cast meant to stay on the injured area for a certain period of time and is taken off with the assistance of a doctor. An air cast, or splint, uses air-filled plastic pods to immobilize and protect the injured area. The benefit of the air cast is that it can be removed for short periods of time.

Water

• An air cast is removable so the wearer is able to bathe, take a shower or even swim without worrying about damaging the cast. A fiberglass cast, however, is a different story. If no waterproof barrier is used when the cast is applied, precautions must be taken to keep the cast dry. Plastic sheeting draped over the cast is one way to protect it while taking a shower. Fiberglass cast wearers must not let water get inside the casts or risk skin irritations or infections according to the E Medicine Health website.

Injury Type

• Fiberglass casts are used for immobilization of broken bones. These types of casts are used on broken arms and legs. Air casts are more commonly used on foot and ankle injuries. Air casts are used to immobilize breaks, sprains and ligament damage to the foot. For example, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggest using an air splint for immobilization of Grade 2 and 3 sprained ankles.

Walking Boot

• Both fiberglass casts and air casts are used on lower leg injuries. Using a fiberglass cast, the individual is limited to walking with crutches, holding the injured leg off the ground or using a wheel chair. This is not the case with an air cast. The air cast is fitted with a protective boot which holds the splint in place. The wearer is able to walk with or without crutches while still providing support and protection to the injury.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• The fiberglass cast's biggest advantage is that it keeps the injured area immobilized the entire recovery period. This makes sure that broken bones stay properly set and heal correctly. The disadvantages to fiberglass casts are the inability to remove the cast and not being able to get the cast wet. The air cast advantages are that the cast can be removed to bathe or obtain physical therapy on the injury and the ability to walk on an injured leg. The main disadvantage to an air cast is that it is easy to remove and patients may not wear the cast as much as the doctor recommends.