Getting a Cast and Getting a Cast Removed

What is a cast?

A cast is a hard bandage that protects your bones and keeps them still while they heal.

Why do you need a cast?

You will need a cast:

• If you have a broken bone.
• After some types of surgery.
  
  

You will need an X-ray before you get a cast

Before a cast can be put on your body, you will need an X-ray:

• An X-ray is a picture of the inside of your body that shows your bones.
• This helps your doctor know what kind of cast your body needs.

Getting a fiberglass or plaster cast

Below are the steps for getting a fiberglass or placer cast:

1. A stretchy sock will be put on the part of your body that needs a cast.
2. Then a soft piece of cotton will be gently wrapped around the stretchy sock.
3. Next a layer that gets hard will be wrapped around the soft layer (it may feel warm and sticky).
4. When the cast is dry and no longer sticky, you will be done.
5. After one day, the cast will be completely dry. Then, you can draw on it with markers.
   
   

Getting a waterproof cast

Below are the steps for getting a waterproof cast:

1. A soft waterproof wrap will be placed on the part of your body that needs a cast.
2. Then a layer that gets hard will be wrapped around the soft layer (it may feel warm and sticky).
3. When the cast is dry and no longer sticky, you will be done.
4. After one day, the cast will be completely dry. Then, you can draw on it with markers.

You may get to choose a color for your cast

One fun thing about getting a cast is that you may get to choose the color of your cast:

• This will depend on the type of cast you need.
• The person putting on your cast will tell you if you get to pick a color.

What is your job when getting a cast?

You have one job when you are getting a cast:

• To hold still. The person putting on your cast will let you know how they need you to sit or lay.

While your cast is being removed:

• You can watch a movie, look at a book, play with toys, or watch your cast being put on.
• You can ask any questions or share any feelings that you have.
  
  

Getting your cast removed

You will come back when you need your cast to be taken off or changed. Below are the steps for getting your cast removed:

• The person taking off your cast will use a machine called a cast saw or cast remover.
  • This machine sounds like a vacuum.  
  • You can wear headphones to help make the machine noises quieter.
  • The cast remover moves back and forth very fast.
  • It will not hurt you or touch your skin.
  • It might feel like a tickle.
  • Your job will be to keep your body calm and still.
  • You can hear what the cast saw or cast remover sounds like by listening to the Cast removal: what to expect video at the top of this page. 

• Next, they will use a tool to open your cast. It will make a "pop" sound.
• Then, they will use scissors to cut the wrap next to your skin.
• After the wrap is cut, they will take your cast off.

After your cast is removed

Once your cast is off:

• Your skin may feel itchy.
• Your muscles may feel sore.
• These feelings will get better.
• The doctor will decide if your body needs another cast.