What are the types of splints and casts?
Casts are custom-made and applied by your doctor or an assistant. Casts can be made of plaster or fiberglass. Splints or half-casts also can be custom-made, especially if an exact fit is necessary. Other times, a ready-made splint will be used. These off-the-shelf splints are made in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are much easier and faster to use. They have Velcro straps, which make the splints easy to adjust, and to put on and take off. Your doctor will explain both how to use your injured arm or leg while it is healing and how to adjust your splint to accommodate swelling.
