Casting
Casting (medicine)
Casting (/ˈkɑːstɪŋ/; from the Latin castus, meaning "pure") is a medical procedure that involves the application of plaster casts or similar devices to the body to immobilize an injured bone or joint, or to correct deformities.
History
The practice of casting has been traced back to the ancient Egyptians, who used linen and plaster to immobilize broken bones. The Greeks and Romans later improved upon this technique by using wax and resin.
Procedure
In a typical casting procedure, a splint or initial layer of soft material is applied to the injured area. This is followed by the application of a hard outer layer, usually made of plaster or fiberglass. The cast is then left in place for a period of time to allow the injury to heal.
Types of Casts
There are several types of casts used in medicine, including:
- Short arm cast: This type of cast is used for fractures of the hand or wrist.
- Long arm cast: This type of cast is used for fractures of the upper arm or elbow.
- Short leg cast: This type of cast is used for fractures of the foot or ankle.
- Long leg cast: This type of cast is used for fractures of the thigh or knee.
Related Terms
- Orthopedic cast: A larger category of casts that includes all types of casts used to immobilize bones and joints.
- Plaster cast: A specific type of cast made from plaster of Paris.
- Fiberglass cast: A type of cast made from fiberglass, which is lighter and more durable than plaster.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Casting
- Wikipedia's article - Casting
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