Casting Tape: A Comprehensive Guide

When you break a bone, your doctor will wrap the injured part in a hard material, such as a cast, to prevent it from moving and allow the wound to heal. Fiberglass tapes are more popular than casts because they are lighter, easier to wear and more comfortable.

In this article, we will explore the definitions, materials, uses, and advantages, and give a conclusion about casting tape.

Definitions

Materials

Uses

Advantages

Instructions

Cautions

Conclusion

1. Definitions

Casting tape is a bandage made of fiberglass or polyester impregnated with polyurethane glue. It hardens when exposed to air or water and is ideal for making casts and splints. It is a new product for orthopedic fracture fixation and external fixation in orthopedic surgery, and can replace plaster bandages.

According to the material, casting tape can be divided into fiberglass casting tape and polyester casting tape.

2. Materials

Casting tapes are mainly composed of two materials, base material and glue.

① Base material: There are two main types of base materials: glass fiber cloth and polyester fiber cloth.

●Glass fiber cloth

Glass fiber is an inorganic non-metallic material with excellent performance. It has a wide variety of types and has the advantages of good insulation, strong heat resistance, and good corrosion resistance. Glass fiber is usually used as a reinforcing material in composite materials, etc.

●Polyester fabric

Polyester fiber is a synthetic fiber made of organic dibasic acid and diol by chemical polycondensation. It is a kind of macromolecular compound. It has excellent wrinkle resistance, elasticity, and dimensional stability, good insulation performance, and is widely used.

② Glue: polyurethane material

Polyurethane Resin: This resin is crucial as it reacts with water to harden the casting tape. It binds the fibers together to form a solid, supportive structure. 

3. Uses

1. To immobilize broken bones, ensuring they stay in the correct position for proper healing.

2. Provides stability and support to injured soft tissues, reducing movement and promoting recovery.

3. Used after orthopedic surgeries to protect the operated area and facilitate healing.

4. Lightweight and less bulky, making it more comfortable for children.

4. Advantages

1. Adopt imported raw materials and advanced technology, good plasticity, and flexibility, neat broken edges, lightweight, easy to move; 

2. High hardness, lightweight, the same part of the fixed, polymer bandage material as gypsum saving nearly one-third; 

3. Good waterproof, not afraid of secondary water immersion, can wear bandages for bathing; 

4. Porous braided structure design, light, more breathable, X-ray permeable. After stretching, it can fit the body contour well so that patients are more comfortable; 

5. The material is environmentally friendly and will not produce polluting gases after combustion; 

6. High strength, fixed firmly, can effectively protect the fracture site; 

7. Fast curing, saving operation time for clinicians; 

8. Easy to soak and easy to operate.

5. Instructions

• Wear medical latex gloves.

• Put the bandage on the affected area and then wrap it with a plaster pad.

• Open the package, soak the plaster tape in room temperature water, squeeze it 2-3 times to let it fully absorb water, and then absorb the excess water after taking it out.

• Wrap it around the affected area in a spiral shape, with each layer overlapping 1/2-2/3. The tightness should be appropriate. Too loose each layer will affect the strength of the plaster, and too tight will affect blood circulation. The strength of the plaster is related to the number of layers. Generally, 3-4 layers on the parts that do not require strong support, and 5-6 layers on the parts that require strong support.

• To ensure the adhesion between the layers and fit with the limb shape, the doctor needs to smooth the surface with a wet hand after wrapping.

• The operation should be finished within 3 minutes, and solidification will begin within 3-5 minutes. The fixed strength can be reached after 10 minutes.

6. Cautions

• Wear gloves before using the product, and wear elastic cloth or plaster pads on the injured area to prevent polyurethane from sticking to the skin or clothes.

• Use it immediately after opening and shape the injured area. Do not open multiple rolls at the same time.

• Plaster curing requires appropriate water temperature. The higher the temperature, the faster the curing time, and the lower the temperature, the slower the curing time. However, too high or too low a temperature will affect the curing effect.

• Soaking or operating for too long will affect the adhesion of each layer and the quality of shaping.

• During treatment, doctors should tell patients to try not to wet the plaster tape to avoid skin discomfort.

• Electric plaster saws are required for removal.

7. Conclusion

Casting tape is an essential tool in orthopedic care, providing effective support and immobilization for a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries. With its versatile applications and numerous advantages, it continues to be a mainstay in fracture management and orthopedic rehabilitation.

In conclusion, casting tape is a valuable and indispensable resource in the treatment of orthopedic injuries, offering both healthcare professionals and patients an effective and reliable solution for immobilization and support.

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