Page 17 - Orthopedic Casting Manual

2.1 Principles of Casting Supplies,

and Tools

Casting mater ials have evolved signific antly, offer ing a var iet y of options suited to different clinic al needs. The
t wo most commonly used mater ials are plaster and fiberglass.

• Plaster of Paris
◦ Plaster has been a cor nerstone of c asting since the 19 th centur y.

• Composition: Made from c alcium sulfate hemihydrate, it hardens upon contact with water due to an
exother mic chemic al re action.
• Ad vantages:
• Highly moldable, making it ide al for cre ating precise anatomic al contours.
• Affordable and widely available.
• Provides a smooth finish, facilitating p atient comfor t.
• Disad vantages:
• He avy and less durable than fiberglass.
• Non-water-resistant, requir ing c areful protection in wet environments.
• Br ittle once dr ied, prone to cracking or crumbling under stress LSmith et al., 2021M.
• Fiberglass
◦ Fiberglass is the moder n standard in c asting.

• Composition: Woven glass fibers co ated in resin, which hardens when exposed to water or air.
• Ad vantages:
• Light weight and ex tremely durable, making it suitable for active p atients.
• Water-resistant, p ar ticular ly when p aired with water proof liners.
• Available in var ious colors, improving p atient compliance and satisfaction.
• Disad vantages:
• More expensive than plaster.
• Requires precise handling due to the resinʼs quick cur ing process LJohnson & Taylor, 2020M.
• Specialized Casting Materials
◦ Advances in mater ial science have led to innovative c asting options, including:
• Water proof Liners: Allow p atients to b athe or swim while we ar ing the c ast.
• Bre athable Casts: Reduce he at buildup and moisture retention, enhancing p atient comfor t.
• Biodegradable Casts: Eco-fr iendly al ter natives designed for temporar y immobilization LBrown et al.,
2019M.