Page 105 - ASOP Orthopedic Casting Manual

2.4 Long Arm Cast 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
long ar m c ast. Here are the steps for effectively applying fiberglass c ast tape:
Prep are f iberglass tape: Put on gloves to protect your hands. The exact number of rolls will depend on
the size of the p atient's ar m and the desired thickness of the c ast.

Dip f iberglass tape: Full y submerge a roll of f iberglass tape in lukewar m water for a few seconds to
activate the resin. Squeeze the roll gentl y to remove excess water.

Appl y f iberglass tape: Star t wrapping the f iberglass tape in the same manner as the shor t ar m c ast as
well as appl ying f iberglass around the wr ist - cut technique or fan fold" at the wr ist

Focus on positioning the elbow slightl y above 90 degrees as the ar m will migrate slightl y to 90
degrees in f inal f iberglass applic ation.

Star t with your nex t roll of f iberglass tape on the proximal end of your shor t ar m c ast and continue
with f igure 8 appro ached around the elbow. Cove the c ast tape along the antecubital sp ace - as
demonstrated in the lesson video and continue to wor k your way towards the shoulder. Over lap e ach
layer by 50% for unifor m thickness. Make sure the tape lies smoothl y without any wr inkles or air
pockets.

Mold the c ast ( per video): As you appl y the f iberglass tape, use your hands to mold and shape the c ast
around the ar m. Appl y gentle pressure to ensure a snug f it without c ausing discomfor t. Ensure the
elbow is immobilized at an appropr iate angle, usuall y around 90 degrees.

Final molding: Once you have re ached the desired thickness, smooth the outer sur face of the c ast
using your hands or a gloved p alm. This will help set the c ast and make it more comfor table for the
p atient. Use the demonstrated molding technique from the instructional video for upper ar m.

Cast setting: Allow the f iberglass c ast to harden, which usuall y takes around 10]15 minutes. The c ast
will feel war m as it hardens, which is nor mal.

Inspect the c ast: Once the c ast is set, check for any shar p edges, pressure points, or skin ir r itation.
Tr im or smooth any rough edges as necessar y. Ensure proper circulation by checking the p atient's
c apillar y ref ill time and ensur ing they c an move their f ingers without diff icul t y.

Provide afterc are instructions: Explain to the p atient how to c are for their c ast, including keeping it
dr y, avoiding direct pressure on the c ast, and repor ting any signs of infection or discomfor t.

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.