Casts, Splints and Braces for Immobilization
Why does my child’s arm, leg, etc. need to be immobilized?
Immobilization
(holding in place) keeps a body part from moving while it heals.
A
splint, cast
,
or brace
is used to hold the body part in one position
Splints, casts, and braces support and protect broken bones, dislocated joints, and injured soft
tissues such as tendons and ligaments.
What is a cast?
A
cast
is made of fiberglass, plaster, or both. It can only be put on and taken off by a trained
professional (most often an Ortho Tech).
•
A Fiberglass cast is made from a type of plastic that can be easily shaped.. Fiberglass is
used most often and comes in different colors. The skin under the cast gets more air than it
does in a plaster cast. It is also easier to X-ray through fiberglass than plaster.
•
A plaster cast is made with strips or rolls of Plaster of Paris coated gauze.
When a cast is put on:
•
A layer of padding is wrapped around the skin to cover the area and protect the skin. The
Fiberglass or plaster is then wet with water and put on over the padding and allowed to dry.
•
Fiberglass usually dries in about 10 minutes, while plaster can take up to 24 hours to totally
dry.
What is a splint or a brace?
Both splints and braces are used for immobilization or support. They can be taken off, but sometimes
the doctor will ask that they be worn at all times and not taken off.
•
Splints or braces can be ready-made or custom made.
•
Splints or braces are sometimes used after surgery is done on an arm or a leg, or after an
injury.
•
Since splints or braces can be taken off and put back on, they are often used when the child
needs to exercise
the arm or leg while it is healing.
•
Some splints or braces can be set so that the arm or leg can move.
•
Sometimes splints or braces are worn just during sleep or during activities.
•
Your doctor will tell you how your child will wear the splint or brace.
Both braces and splints give less support and protection than a cast.