How to Do Ortho Casting

Orthopedic casts immobilize broken bones and torn ligaments, and protect surrounding soft tissue structures during the healing process. Casts are made of plaster of paris or fiberglass, which is a type of moldable plastic. Fiberglass is more commonly used because it is lightweight and easier to apply. Orthopedic casts are typically worn for six to eight weeks until the healing process is complete. They are then removed with a vibrating cast saw.

Things You'll Need

• Towels
• Gloves
• Rolled cotton or stockinette
• Plaster of paris or fiberglass
• Bucket of water
• Water

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Instructions

• 1

  Position the patient's injured body part in a neutral resting position. To cast an ankle, have the patient lie on the examination table with his foot resting just off the edge.

• 2

  Apply the stockinette, leaving a little extra length at each end of the area to be casted. If you are using rolled cotton, begin at the base of her toes and wrap in a circular motion, overlapping each layer by half of the width of the preceding layer.

• 3

  Put on your gloves. Wet the casting material per the specific instructions on the package using the water in the bucket or sink faucet.

• 4

  Begin wrapping the casting material at the toes half an inch from the edge of the end of the stockinette or cotton, finishing half an inch from the top of the stockinette. Apply enough tension to secure the ankle, but be careful not to cast too tightly and compromise blood flow to the foot. Talk to the patient and inform him to tell you if he feels any tingling and numbness in the foot, indicating that the cast is too tight.

• 5

  Allow the cast to dry before the patient leaves. Use a wet washcloth to wipe away any plaster that may have dripped on the patient or the floor.