1. Apply any wound dressings necessary and then the padding* and bandage in the usual manner, ensuring that any bony protuberances and areas adjacent to the cast edges are given extra protection to avoid pressure sores. Be sure that the entire cast area is covered.
* A synthetic padding material, such as Orthoband, should be used instead of cotton wool, so as to allow any excess moisture to pass through the padding and maintain a comfortable layer between the cast and the patient.
2. A length of old Giving Set tubing with 'Gigli' wire inside, laid along the length of the area to be cast, will facilitate removal of the cast at a later stage. Alternatively, the tubing can provide a handy guide and channel for an oscillating saw or plaster shears to be used.
3. Wear gloves to prevent hands from direct contact with uncured polymer. If the uncured polymer comes in contact with the skin, blot with alcohol or acetone. Cured polymer should flake off after several days.
4. Select the appropriate size of tape and open the pouch. Do not open more than one pouch at a time.
5. Immerse the roll in 70-75°F water and squeeze lightly 3-4 times. Do not squeeze the roll after it has been removed from the water to express "excess" water. Cooler water temperatures and not squeezing at all lengthen the set time. Warmer water temperatures and more squeezing (5-8 times) will shorten the set time, however, higher temperatures during curing may also be noted above 80°F water temperature.
6. Construct the cast by wrapping in spiral motions, overlapping the previous wrap by half. Exercise caution to assure that the tape is not being applied too tightly. The fibreglass substrate stretches in several directions and can reduce the need to twist, tuck or fold the material for a proper fit. Turn the edges of the top and bottom of the cast outwards so as to form a rounded lip. This will help reduce the possibility of chafing to the adjacent body tissue.
7. Firmly blot the cast to ensure maximum bonding. Moulding of the cast is best accomplished when the material is beginning to solidify. Thirty to sixty seconds of continuous moulding will give best end result. Covering the cast with bandage should not be necessary, but if desired, should not be done until the cast has fully cured and is dry. |