Page 115 - ASOP Orthopedic Casting Manual

2.6 Thumb Spica Cast cont ...

Fiberglass Cast Tape Applic ation
Prep aration: Put on gloves to protect your hands from the f iberglass resin. Gather all necessar y
mater ials, including f iberglass c asting tape, a bucket of lukewar m water, and scissors.

Dip the f iberglass tape: Full y submerge a roll of f iberglass tape in the 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 to the thumb: Star t wrapping the f iberglass tape around the b ase of the thumb,
wor king your way up towards the tip. Over lap e ach layer by 50% for unifor m thickness. Ensure the
tape lies smoothl y without any wr inkles or air pockets. This is similar to the p adding technique
previousl y descr ibed.

Appl y f iberglass tape to the hand: Once the thumb is covered, begin wrapping the tape around the
p atient's hand, making sure to cover the thumb-foref inger web sp ace. Continue over lapping e ach
layer by 50% to maintain unifor m thickness.

Appl y f iberglass tape to the wr ist and fore ar m - similar to the shor t ar m c ast previous demonstrated:
Star t wrapping the tape around the wr ist and wor k your way up the fore ar m. Over lap e ach layer by
50% for even thickness. Make sure the tape lies smoothl y without any wr inkles or air pockets.

Mold the c ast: As you appl y the f iberglass tape, use your hands to mold and shape the c ast around the
thumb, hand, wr ist, and fore ar m. Appl y gentle pressure to ensure a snug f it without c ausing
discomfor t. Ensure the thumb is immobilized in a functional position (slightl y abducted and ex tended ).

Appl y additional layers: Appl y additional layers of f iberglass tape to reinforce the c ast and ensure
adequate immobilization. Keep dipping, wrapping, and molding the c ast tape as needed.

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.

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.

Remember to monitor the p atient's condition and follow up as needed to ensure proper he aling and prevent
complic ations.