How to build a Full Arm Cast.

Made of Fiberglass

The supplies you will need:

1) Preparing and applying the stockinette

All casts start with the stockinette. Use 2" stockinette and cut it so that the stockinette extends 1" beyond your knuckles and 1" from your arm pit. Cut a 1/2" slice at a 45-degree angle where your saddle joint, or thumb, will be. Place the stockinette over your arm and put your thumb through the hole you cut earlier.


2) Applying the cast padding

Take your 3" cast padding and start unrolling at the wrist. Go around the wrist once to secure the end and work your way across your hand, ripping the cast padding about half way across so that it goes across the thumb without bunching. Do this twice more, then continue up the arm until two fingers from your arm pit and work your way back to the wrist, cutting off the excess. It is important to overlap by 1/3. Now fold the excess stockinette back over the cast padding.


Important

The lim position is vital

for a full arm cast the elbow must be at 90 degrees and the wrist in the neutral position palm facing inward. As for the picture the arm is in the position for casting a smith fracture!

3) Applying the fiberglass bandage

Put on the disposable gloves. Now take a 2" fiberglass bandage. Once again start at the wrist and make one complete turn to secure the end. Do not stretch the fiberglass because that will weaken it. But be firm enough so that it does not bunch. As you bring the fiberglass between the index finger and thumb you let it fold in three ( in the shape of a N or Z) so that it is not right up against the thumb. Bring the fiberglass across the back of the hand to the wrist. Now repeat this process two more times. Finish the 2" roll by working your way down the rest of the arm. Now open a 4" fiberglass bandage and continue from where you left off with the 2". Work your way to the end of the stockinette, making sure to leave a 1/4" of stockinette showing. Continue back to just below the thumb, still overlapping by half a bandage width. Now open your 3" bandage and use this to reenforce the elbow.


4) Final molding of the cast

As the cast starts to set, apply pressure to the cast using the palms of your hand to mold the cast to the forearm. Also hold down the loose end until the resin has taken hold.


5) VOILA!

Now you have the perfect full arm cast.

Pic's Donated By Kater

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