Page 89 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

Performance Steps
d. Continue through the palm ending 1/2 inch distal to the stockinette edge, back up the
forearm around the elbow ending 1/2 inch proximal to the stockinette edge .
NOTE: Wrap the cast padding in an overlapping figure of eights over the cubitum space. This will
assist in reducing wrinkles and provide the supracondylar with additional padding.
e. With each turn overlap the webril by 1/2-1/4 the previous wrap. The top of the webril should
bisect the middle of the previous layer covering up the shallow line and present evenly
applied padding.
NOTE: The cast padding can be cut or torn (horizontally) when wrapping around the elbow to provide
a better fit. The technician preference will determined which technique is used.
14. Prepare casting materials.

15. If using fiberglass casting materials go to step 17 and 18.
16. If using plaster casting materials go to step 19.

17. Place fiberglass casting gloves on hands.
Caution: The use of fiberglass casting gloves are mandatory to prevent the technician from receiving
chemical burns when applying a fiberglass cast.
18. Open fiberglass casting package and go to step 19.
NOTE: Open one fiberglass package at a time. As fiberglass roll comes in contact with the air, the roll
will start to cure and harden.
19. Apply 1st plaster/fiberglass roll.
NOTE: Examination gloves are recommended to protect the technician's hands as the resin in the
plaster rolls may cause the skin on the hands to dry up.
a. Hold plaster or fiberglass roll with one hand.
b. With opposite hand unroll the plaster or fiberglass 1/2-1 inch and grasp edge with thumb,
index and middle fingers.
NOTE: Placing the thumb under the forward edge of the roll can also be used.
c. Place the plaster or fiberglass roll in bucket of tepid water and remove when bubbles cease
to rise.
CAUTION: Removing the casting material when bubbles are present ensures dry spots will be visible
during application. Dry spots affects the integrity of the cast.
d. Squeeze the roll together(do not wring the roll).
NOTE: To evenly distribute the water and prevent telescoping of the roll during application gently
squeeze the roll inward.
e. Place the edge of the casting material on the ulnar styloid and begin wrapping around the
wrist two rotations to secure the edge .
NOTE: The cast is most susceptible to losing it's strength in the palm region. Therefore, a twisting or
cut method is authorized.

The Twisting method: As the roll is pushed through the palm pinch the sides of the plaster roll
together (not recommended for fiberglass) twist and evenly space the casting material on the webril.
Smooth out with volar side of fingers. The twisting method provides strength to the cast .

The Cut method: As the roll is pushed through the palm make a horizontal cut to the proximal edge
of the plaster/fiberglass roll and smooth out with volar aspect of fingers or palm.The cutting method
provides cast cosmetics. Each technician may have their own preference to these methods.
f. Continue through the palm ending 1/2 inch distal to the edge of the webril, back up the
forearm figure eight around the elbow ending 1/2 inch proximal to the edge of the webril.
NOTE: Wrapping the cast material in a overlapping figure of eights over the cubitum space will provide
the required strength for the supracondylar flanges.
g. Overlap the cast material by 1/2-1/4 the previous wrap. The top of the cast material should
bisect the middle of the previous layer and present evenly applied padding.

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