What is a Cast, and How Do I Know if My Child Needs One?

For parents, learning their child needs a cast can be an unsettling diagnosis. For kids, after the initial pain and shock wears off of a broken bone, casts can be fun and cool! Let's explore what exactly a cast is, what it's used for, why they're needed and everything in-between.

When are casts needed?

First, let’s talk about the difference between a fracture and a broken bone. The answer is that fractures and broken bones are the same thing! Any force that can break a bone can fracture it. So, you need something to protect that break until it can heal. The best thing is a cast.

What is a cast?

A cast is hard object made of a material called fiberglass. It is applied to the body part that has the broken bone. Casts protect the bone until it can completely heal and can also help hold bones in the right position and provide comfort through immobilization (or keeping them still).

Where are casts used?

Casts can be applied to hands, wrists, arms, legs, hips and thighs. Casts are not usually placed on the fingers or toes.

What are the different types of casts?

There are many different names and types of casts, and some are quite funny, like a Munster cast, an ulna gutter cast and PTB cast. Each is designed to protect a certain kind of fracture (broken bone). The type of cast you get depends on what part of the body has broken.

Casts come in many colors, and some doctors let you get creative with them, such as holiday casts for Mardi Gras, Halloween and Christmas.

Are casts waterproof?

There are some water-resistant casts available, but no cast is truly waterproof. It all comes down to how to care for it. Most of the water-resistant casts have to be dripped dry and are not covered by insurance. There is usually an upcharge for a water-resistant cast. It's best to keep your cast dry, so no swimming and making sure it's wrapped properly during showers or bathtime. 

What problems do casts cause?

Casts don't usually cause problems, but they can be annoying from time to time, like when you're trying to keep it from getting soapy in the bath. Casts can also be hot and itchy at times. Like we mentioned before, they cannot get wet because they can cause a rash. And despite having itchiness underneath your cast, you should not put anything in the cast to scratch the itch. Doing so can cause tears in your skin that you cannot see, which can lead to infections,

How long do casts need to be worn?

Children heal faster than adults, so they usually are in a cast less than six weeks. There are exceptions, but typically kids can expect to be in a cast for about four weeks, depending on the broken bone and which type.

How are casts taken off?

Casts are removed by something called a cast saw. While the blade may look scary, it's important to remember that this type of saw cannot cut your skin, only cast material. Most children say it tickles to cut the cast off!