What Is Casting and Bracing?

Casting and bracing are nonsurgical methods used to immobilize and support injured bones, joints, or soft tissues:

• Cast: A hard shell made of plaster or fiberglass that completely surrounds and immobilizes an injured area.
• Brace: A removable support made of plastic, metal, or fabric that stabilizes an injury while allowing some movement.
• Splint: A temporary support that does not fully surround a limb. This method is often used when an injured area is excessively swollen and may be replaced by a cast as swelling goes down.

What Does Casting and Bracing Treat?

Casting and bracing are commonly used to treat

• Bone fractures
• Dislocations
• Joint pain and arthritis
• Post-surgical recovery
• Repetitive use injuries, such as tennis elbow
• Sprains and strains
• Tendon and ligament injuries

Casting and bracing can also aid in recovery after surgery.

Preparing for Casting and Bracing

To determine if casting or bracing is needed, a healthcare provider will perform a thorough physical exam. An X-ray will assess the severity of the injury, and in some cases, a CT scan or MRI may also be performed.

What to Expect

After determining that casting or bracing is needed, the cast or brace will be molded and fitted to the patient’s body.

For casts, a soft layer, such as a soft sock or padding, is placed around the injury to protect the skin. It’s then wrapped with wet plaster or fiberglass, molding the cast to the patient’s body. The cast will harden and form a protective shell around the injury.

For braces, the patient is fitted with a brace, and it’s strapped or wrapped around the injury.

Patients should keep the injury elevated to reduce swelling and watch for tightness and signs of infection. Patients should keep casts dry and clean.

After Treatment

Casts and braces are typically worn for four to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. To remove a cast, a healthcare provider will use a special electric saw that vibrates back and forth, cutting only the cast material and not the skin underneath. After the cast or brace has been removed, physical therapy may be needed to help restore mobility and rebuild muscle strength.