Page 93 - Orthopedic Casting Manual

2.2 Short Arm Cast LSAC) cont ...

Fiberglass Cast Tape Applic ation

Applying the fiberglass c ast tape cor rectly is essential for ensur ing a strong, durable, and comfor table or thopedic
shor t ar m c ast. Here are the steps for effectively applying fiberglass c ast tape:

Prep are the c ast tape: Open the f iberglass c ast tape p ackages and have them re ad y for use. Be
mindful that exposure to air or moisture will initiate the hardening process of the c ast tape.

Put on gloves: We ar gloves to protect your hands from the resin and maintain a cle an applic ation.

Prep are water: Fill a b asin or container with cle an water to activate the pol yurethane resin in the
f iberglass c ast tape. The temperature of the water will affect the wor king and setting time of the c ast,
with war mer water speeding up the process and cooler water slowing it down.

Dip the f iberglass c ast tape: Take the f irst roll of f iberglass c ast tape and submerge it in the water for a
few seconds, ensur ing it is full y saturated. Gentl y squeeze the roll to remove excess water and evenl y
distr ibute the resin.

Begin at the wr ist: Star t appl ying the f iberglass c ast tape at the wr ist, which is the distal end of the
ar m. Hold the roll in one hand and use the other hand to guide and smooth the tape as you wrap it
around the limb.

Wrap evenl y: Wrap the f iberglass tape evenl y around the ar m, over lapping e ach layer by
approximatel y 50% to ensure a strong and stable c ast. Maintain an even tension while wrapping to
avoid excessive pressure or a loose c ast.

Cover the p adding: Ensure the f iberglass tape full y covers the under l ying p adding and stockinette. Be
c areful not to le ave any gaps or exposed p adding, as this c an compromise the c ast's effectiveness.

Progress up the ar m: Continue wrapping the f iberglass tape up the ar m, maintaining even pressure
and coverage until just below the elbow. After your 1]2 tur ns at top of fore ar m, fold stockinette b ack
over. You may need to appl y a bumper for ex tra suppor t, per video. Make sure the c ast ex tends from
the joint above the injur y L3]4 f inger bre ad ths below the elbow) to the joint below the injur y (the wr ist)
for proper immobilization.

Appl y additional layers: Appl y 3]4 layers of f iberglass tape for optimal strength and durabilit y. When
adding more layers, change the direction of the wrap to cre ate a cr isscross p atter n, which incre ases
the stabilit y and r igidit y of the c ast. Both pinch and a wave as well as the cut technique will be
demonstrated on the end of lesson video.

Smooth the c ast: While the c ast is still wet and malle able, use your hands to gentl y mold and smooth
the f iberglass tape to the contours of the p atient's ar m. This helps ensure a snug and comfor table f it.

Allow the c ast to set: Give the f iberglass c ast time to set and harden, which usuall y takes around 10]15
minutes. Instruct the p atient to remain still and avoid moving the affected limb dur ing this time..

By following these steps, you c an effectively apply fiberglass c ast tape for an or thopedic shor t ar m c ast,
ensur ing a strong, stable, and comfor table c ast that promotes he aling and p atient satisfaction.