Fiberglass Or Plaster Casts: Which Are Best?

Although traditional gypsum castings have been the most common solution for fractures, fiberglass castings have had plenty of benefits in the last few decades for patients and healthcare professionals.

Despite the differences, each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the use of one option or another depends on several factors.

Want to know more about this topic? If so, read on!

Traditional plaster casts

From a historical point of view, this material has been the most widely used to immobilize broken bones. It is made from semi-hydrogenated calcium sulfate and it needs water to harden.

As a result of chemical reactions that use water, the cast gradually releases heat, forms a paste and hardens on the patient’s body. From then on, it will not break as long as you follow the maintenance recommendations.

The benefits of plaster casts

Plaster is readily available in almost any region and it is cheaper than fiberglass. This leads to the fact that many specialists have been trained in using this material. So healthcare professionals are more confident in their abilities when working with it.

Due to its semi-solid consistency, before it hardens completely, it is easy to cast plaster to some parts of the body that are difficult for health professionals to cover. This is more important in patients with reduced mobility from a disability.

The disadvantages of gypsum castings

If you have ever had a cast on, remember the situation for these procedures. Plaster can stain almost any surface, requiring constant cleaning.

It is also heavy and more uncomfortable compared to those made of fiberglass, which can be difficult for children. Since gypsum is fragile, it requires care to prevent it from dissolving early. We will talk more about that in the next section.

Beware of plaster casts

Wearing a traditional cast for several weeks can be uncomfortable. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have it, they recommend:

• Be careful not to get too much water on it. A little liquid on the surface may not cause major problems, but if the water seeps into the interior, it can break the material and irritate the skin.
• When bathing, use plastic bags to prevent the plaster from getting wet.
• Unless a doctor tells you otherwise, you should keep the limb slightly swollen for the first few days to prevent fluid from accumulating (edema). Keep it elevated above your heart.

There is some controversy about the tendency to write names or draw pictures on castings. The truth is that in some cases it can promote skin irritation and weaken the material.

Fiberglass castings

The material is more modern and is known as “synthetic plaster”. The placement technique is similar to that of plaster, and fortunately it is a cleaner procedure that can be performed in a more orderly manner.

With both materials, apply a layer of cotton first to protect the skin. It also makes it more comfortable to wear. It can also act as a thermal insulator.

The benefits of fiberglass castings

Fiberglass has greater benefits for both the doctor and the patient. The most important are:

• Allows better visualization of bones during an X-ray. This is important to see how the fracture progresses. This process is known as bone healing.

• It is less heavy and more comfortable, so it is easier to move.
• Some are resistant to moderate amounts of water, but they should not be exposed to large amounts.
• They are usually durable.

All of these benefits have led it to replace traditional gypsum castings in developed regions. However, it is also still common in developing countries.

The disadvantages of fiberglass castings

Fiberglass is more expensive than drywall, which is the biggest drawback. Given its benefits, however, this has not prevented it from being common around the world.

Although the outer part is resistant to water, the inside can be damaged if it is constantly exposed to water. This can also irritate the skin and weaken the material.

Beware of fiberglass castings

You can take care of this casting in the same way as drywall castings when it comes to water. In addition, it would also be helpful to remember the following:

• You should not use personal hygiene products on the edges of the molds, e.g. deodorants or creams, without the prior permission of your doctor.
• Avoid making sudden movements and adjusting the casting without your doctor’s approval.
• This type of immobilization usually leaves some tissue visible in the most distal part of the limb. Watch for changes in color or sensitivity in the area, especially during the first few hours.

Despite the fact that it is resilient and has greater benefits, you need to take care of it. It is still a material that can deteriorate. Without proper care, it can lead to unnecessary doctor visits.

What to consider when choosing between fiberglass or plaster casts

Deciding which type to use is often a medical decision, especially where certain resources are limited. However, tell your doctor or staff about the following situations:

• Allergy to any substance or history of contact dermatitis.
• Problems moving due to some form of previous condition.
• Want to use a certain type of material.

In any case, there are some contraindications to completely excluding one of the two materials.

Fiberglass and drywall are safe, but you need to be careful

In general, complications after getting the cast on are very rare. However, you should go to a doctor if you get annoying symptoms. The most important thing to take care of is pain and excessive swelling. After all, the goal of plaster is to reduce these problems.