Our Services / Splinting & Casting

What is splinting and casting?

Splinting and casting are two of the most common treatments for fractures and injured joints. They’re orthopedic devices that immobilize a limb –– like your arm or leg –– to prevent complications while it heals. 

Even though casts and splints are often mentioned together, there are distinct differences:

Casts

Casts are made of materials like fiberglass or plaster. They wrap around your entire limb, providing protection and preventing movement during the healing process.

Splints

Splints aren’t as supportive or durable as casts. That said, they’re lightweight and much easier to use. If you have a minor injury, like a sprain or strain, a splint might be enough to get you back up and on your feet.

When is splinting and casting necessary?

The team at Coastal Ortho prescribes splinting and casting to treat various issues, including:

• Broken bones
• Sports-related injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Car accidents

You might also need a cast or a splint after orthopedic surgery. After your swelling goes down, your provider might recommend a cast or a splint, to speed up the recovery process.

What types of splinting and casting are offered?

At Coastal Ortho, the team offers casts and splints made from various materials, including:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is very light but incredibly durable. It encourages airflow, allowing your skin to breathe, and it’s water-resistant. What’s more, fiberglass comes in various colors and it’s easy to X-ray. That means your provider can monitor the health of your bone, without removing your cast first.

Water proof casting

What does getting a cast involve?

At Coastal Ortho, the team applies casts and splints on site during a brief, outpatient appointment.

Before applying the cast or splint, your provider wraps your affected limb with padding made of cotton and other materials. 

If you’re getting a plaster cast, your provider wraps pre-moistened strips of plaster around the padding. They repeat these steps several times until your entire limb is protected. After applying the cast, it takes 10-15 minutes for it to dry.

The process of getting a fiberglass cast is very similar. Like plaster, fiberglass comes in pre-prepared strips. Your provider submerges them in water, wraps them around the padding, and waits for them to dry.

How long will I need to wear my cast or splint?

The length of time you need to wear your cast or splint depends on the severity of the original injury. Most people complete treatment in 4-6 weeks, but it may take longer. To ensure a positive outcome, follow your provider’s instructions carefully, attend each checkup, and don’t skip physical therapy.

If you’d like to explore the benefits of casting and splinting, make an appointment at Coastal Ortho by calling the nearest office, or clicking the online booking feature today.