Why is fibreglass cast material used in fracture casting?

Fibreglass tape is activated with water and wrapped over protective padding. It hardens into a strong shell that helps limit unwanted movement around the fracture. The clinician moulds the cast to the limb and leaves room for swelling where appropriate. Fibreglass is often lighter and less bulky than traditional plaster, and its textured surface can resist everyday knocks.

A cast supports healing but does not itself realign every fracture. Imaging and examination determine whether a cast is suitable and whether the bone position remains acceptable during follow-up. Some casts are split or changed as swelling settles.

Keep the cast dry unless the treating team says it is waterproof. Do not insert objects inside it to scratch, and do not cut or alter the shell. Elevate the limb when advised, move free fingers or toes gently, and follow weight-bearing instructions. Keep follow-up appointments so the cast and the fracture can be checked.

Inspect the skin at the edges and protect the cast from pressure. Ask before returning to driving, sport, work, or lifting, because the safe timing depends on the injury and the cast's purpose.

Contact the fracture team promptly if the cast becomes wet inside, cracked, loose, tight, or develops a painful edge. Seek urgent help for increasing pain despite elevation, severe swelling, pale or blue fingers or toes, new numbness, inability to move them, or a foul smell or discharge.

How much movement and weight can my casted limb safely tolerate? What swelling changes should I expect? When will the cast be reviewed or removed, and which symptoms require urgent assessment?