How to Cut Off a Fiberglass Cast

Fiberglass casts protect broken bones, surgical sites and injuries to tendons and ligaments as they heal. Fiberglass casts are hard, which helps prevent further injury during the healing processl. As a result of the tough fiberglass material, you need a special saw to remove a fiberglass cast. When your doctor feels your injury has healed, your doctor or another medical professional, such as a nurse or medical assistant, will remove your cast for you. You should never try to remove your cast at home.

Instructions

• 1

  Take good care of your cast. Avoid getting your cast wet or sticking objects down your cast. If you take good care of it, your cast will do its job and help heal your injury. If you comply with your doctor, you likely will spend less time in a cast.

• 2

  Attend your follow-up appointment. When your fiberglass cast was applied, your doctor likely indicated when you should return for a visit. During this visit your cast will be removed, examined by your doctor and you may have an x-ray to check for healing. Your doctor will determine if your cast can stay off or be reapplied.

• 3

  Allow the doctor or one of your doctor's assistants to remove your cast. The affected portion of your body will be positioned on the exam table.

• 4

  Relax. Your doctor will use a saw to remove your cast. The saw vibrates to break down the fiberglass. The saw does not rotate and cannot hurt your skin; the padding underneath your cast prevents injury. The cast saw is loud and you may experience heat from the friction. Your doctor will cut down both sides of your cast. The cast will then be pried open with medical pliers.

• 5

  Have your cast padding removed. Once the fiberglass is removed, your doctor will cut the cast padding off with scissors. Your affected body part may feel weak and you may experience dry skin after the cast is removed.