When do you use an above knee cast?
Above knee casts are usually applied with about 30 degrees of knee flexion (sometimes this is increased to about 60 degrees to discourage weight bearing) with the foot in the neutral or plantar grade position.
What are the three types of casts?
Cast Care: Types of Casts and Cast Aids
- Plaster cast. This is made from gauze and plaster strips soaked in water.
- Synthetic cast. This is made from fiberglass or plastic strips.
- Cast brace. This is made of hard plastic.
- Splint (also called a half cast).
How do you put on above knee cast?
Applying the cast: wrapping circumferentially over the knee. Laminate the layers together with the flats of your hands by rubbing the plaster in a circular motion. Place the cast on pillows and allow to dry for 20 minutes.
What are the two types of casts?
There are two main types of casts, plaster and fiberglass.
What is the difference between a cast and a splint?
A cast wraps all the way around an injury and can only be removed in the doctor’s office. All casts are custom-made with fiberglass or plaster. A splint is like a “half cast.” The hard part of a splint does not wrap all the way around the injured area. It is held in place by an elastic bandage or other material.
Do doctors still use plaster casts?
While fiberglass material is newer, many casts used today are still made from plaster. Plaster casts are most often used when a fracture reduction (repositioning of the bone) is performed.
What is a cylinder cast?
Arm cylinder cast – applied from the upper arm to the wrist to hold the elbow muscles and tendons in place after a dislocation or surgery.
Do you get a cast after knee surgery?
A knee & leg cast is a hard covering that stabilizes and immobilizes your knee and lower leg while it heals. You may need a knee & leg cast after a knee fracture or dislocation, severe sprain, or for recovery after surgery.