Fiberglass Short Arm Cast Application and Removal

Application Supplies

Apply stockinette to upper and lower portion of arm as shown

Start wrapping cotton at wrist

Continue to hand..

Apply two layers around hand and continue up arm

Tear cotton around thumb

Apply two layers around hand and continue up arm

Wrap tightly and avoid wrinkles in cotton

Apply two layers of cotton to entire arm

Fold upper arm stockinette over cotton

Apply a thumb pad- MOST IMPORTANT PART!!!

Wrap snugly around thumb

Fold stockinette over hand portion of cast

Apply gloves!

Fiberglass must be wet. Either fill a basin with water or use running water from sink.

Remove fiberglass from package

Submerse in water or hold under running water for a few seconds

Begin wrapping at wrist

Wrap once around wrist and proceed to hand

Make a cut to go around thumb

Repeat this step until desired thickness reached (two to three layers)

Continue to roll fiberglass up the arm

Roll fiberglass- DO NOT PULL!

Roll carefully to avoid wrinkles

There should be two to three layers of cast material when finished

Use palms of hands to mold cast while it is drying (about 5 minutes)

Never use fingers as this can dent the cast and cause pressure sores

This is a good way to mold the cast around the hand

Some areas may be rough as shown below

A nail file may be used to smooth rough areas

Scissors may also be used to cut rough areas

Completed cast free of wrinkles or rough areas

No rough areas noticeable

Short Arm Cast Removal

Removal Supplies

Start cutting on top (superior) side of cast

Continue the whole length of cast

Turn arm over and make same cut along entire length of cast (inferior side)

Use Cast Spreaders to open cast.

Tear Cotton and Remove Cast