Making It Easier to Remove the Cast Explain to kids what is happening. Don't let the doctor or cast tech rush in and start removing. Show the patient that the saw will not cut the skin. Bring headphones. A cast saw can be noisy, and often the noise is more upsetting than.

1. How To Remove Fiberglass Cast At Home

Plaster casts are used to immobilize broken bones while they heal and to stretch body parts into their proper position, like casting to correct club feet. Fracture casts are typically removed in the doctor's office with a vibrating cast saw, specifically designed to protect the underlying skin from being cut. Occasionally you might need to remove the cast yourself, particularly if it is compromising blood circulation. Casting to correct deformities is usually done in a series -- a cast is worn for one or two weeks, removed and a new cast is applied in the newly stretched position. These types of casts are sometimes removed at home -- particularly for children who might be scared of a cast saw. Plaster casts can be removed in a few steps.

Fill the bucket with warm water, deep enough to fully submerge the cast. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to the water to break down the plaster material.

Soak the cast until the plaster begins to loosen. Grab a loose piece and unwrap the layers. This process can take up to 1-2 hours to complete.

Wash your skin with soap and water when the cast is removed. Dump the bucket water outside to prevent the plaster from clogging a drain inside the house.

About the Author

Aubrey Bailey has been writing health-related articles since 2009. Her articles have appeared in ADVANCE for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy and Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University at Buffalo, as well as a post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy from Utica College. Dr. Bailey is also a certified hand therapist.

How To Remove Fiberglass Cast At Home

A cast is often used for the treatment of a broken bone, post-surgical recovery, and for other ailments that require immobilization. Casts are made of one of two materials: plaster or fiberglass. Once it is time for the cast to come off, a cast saw is used to remove it. Learn about how a cast saw works, how safe it is, and what you can do to make this a less frightening experience.

How a Cast Saw Works

Cast saws have a sharp, small-toothed blade that rapidly vibrates back and forth; it does not spin around like a circular saw. Against the firm surface of the plaster or fiberglass, the cast saw will cut through the material. However, against your skin, the cast saw simply moves the skin back and forth with the vibration, not cutting into the skin.

Newer cast saws have become even easier for patients to tolerate. The most significant difference is the noise coming from the motor of the saw. Older cast saws tend to have very noisy motors that can be frightening, especially for children. Newer saws have much quieter motors that cause much less anxiety for patients.

Are Cast Saws Safe?

Cast saws are very safe, but they should only be used by personnel who have been trained in their proper use and how to avoid problems. Improper use of a cast saw, or use of a cast saw that has worn blades, can cause problems. Cast saws are safe, but there are possible complications of their use that can occur. Many people tell stories of being cut or burned by a cast saw, but with proper use, these injuries should not occur.

What Can Go Wrong?

There are a few problems that can occur with the use of a cast saw, and it is important that the device is used by someone knowledgeable with proper cast saw techniques. While a physician should know proper cast saw techniques, many cast techs, physician assistants, and medical assistants are also qualified in using this device.

A study found that the most common reasons patients had complications from the use of a cast saw were worn out blades, insufficient cast padding, or improper training and experience. The rate of injury from a cast saw is right around 1%, therefore the risk is small, but not nonexistent. The most common problems include:

• Burns: Skin burns are the most common problem that occurs when removing a cast. Because of the vibration of the cast saw blade, high temperatures can result from the friction of the blade against the cast material. If the blade heats up and contacts the skin, a burn can occur. Lighter pressures to prevent heating of the blade, and allowing a warm blade to cool, can help prevent this problem. Skin temperatures have been shown to be higher when cutting through fiberglass cast material.
• Cuts: Small skin lacerations are uncommon, but can occur. The teeth of the saw blade can be sharp enough to cut the skin. If ample padding is under the hard cast material, a skin laceration is unlikely.

If you think you have sustained an injury as a result of cast removal, let your doctor know. Abrasions and burns can be better managed when your provider is aware that these have occurred.

Making It Easier to Remove the Cast

Many patients, especially younger children, are frightened of cast saws, but there are some things that can be done to make the experience less traumatic.

• Explain to kids what is happening. Don't let the doctor or cast tech rush in and start removing the cast without showing the patient the equipment and how it works. Fear of the unknown is usually much worse than the fear of the saw.
• Show the patient that the saw will not cut the skin. Skin lacerations are the most common fear, and demonstrating that the saw will not cut your skin can help. I always press the blade of the running cast saw against my hand to demonstrate that it's safe.
• Bring headphones. A cast saw can be noisy, and often the noise is more upsetting than the actual feeling of the saw. Earmuffs, headphones, or a noise-canceling device can help. Often kids will enjoy listening to music while the cast is being removed.

Even with these steps, some patients are still upset and frightened. Taking time, and addressing the patient's concerns can help. Unfortunately, some kids are too young to understand, and that's where a promise of an ice cream treat may be the only thing that helps get you through!

A Word From Verywell

Casts are used for treatment in orthopedics very commonly. Most people, at some point or another in their life, will have a cast placed for treatment of a broken bone or immobilization after surgery. While removal of the cast provokes anxiety and many of these people, it is actually a very safe procedure. There are steps that a skilled cast technician can take to ensure that your cast is removed without complications.

• Shore BJ, et al. 'Epidemiology and Prevention of Cast Saw Injuries: Results of a Quality Improvement Program at a Single Institution' J Bone Joint Surg Am, 2014 Feb 19;96(4):e31 1-8.
• Shuler FD and Grisafi FN. 'Cast-saw burns: evaluation of skin, cast, and blade temperatures generated during cast removal' J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008 Dec;90(12):2626-30.