Alternatives to Plaster Bandages

Plaster bandages, also called plaster casts, are made of plaster of Paris and are the traditional method of helping broken bones set. They form a hard cast around the injury preventing the patient from moving it and allow the bone to heal in the right place. While they serve their purpose, they are limited since they cannot get wet and are not easily removed. Some patients may want to seek out alternatives to plaster casts.

Synthetic Casts

• Synthetic casts are similar to plaster casts. Synthetic casts are usually made out of fiberglass and are more water-resistant than the original plaster casts. These casts are also much more lightweight than their plaster counterparts and they come in different colors. The fiberglass is waterproof but the lining underneath is not. However, some people put covers on them and are still able to bathe and even swim with synthetic casts. Like plaster casts, the synthetic ones are wrapped over cotton first.

Splints

• A splint is a type of brace that helps limit the motion in a broken bone. Splints are not as limiting as a plaster cast and, according to an article published by Reuters Health, can be just as effective in healing some fractures, like wrist fractures. The splint is like a tight, stiff glove that covers the wrist, palm and lower parts of the fingers. It is stiff on the underside and secures with Velcro on the top.

Aircasts

• Aircasts are made from flexible plastic and Velcro and have air cells in them to help cushion the injury and to reduce the amount of edema. This promotes faster healing. Some models come with air cells that can be inflated or deflated to create a custom fit for each user. Aircasts are commonly used to support broken ankles and other joints like the knee. These casts are similar to plaster casts, but they are a bit more flexible. They can also be removed when the patient wants to shower or when the doctor wants to check the injury. They are more durable than plaster casts.