Traditional Casts vs Waterproof Casts

The use of casts for limb setting and broken bone healing has been utilized for millennia. With some of the earliest evidence dating back nearly 6000 years, anthropologists theorize that the use of casts can be representative of the evolution of humanity as we know it. 

While the basic utilization of casts has remained the same, over time the technology has evolved to better suit the needs of patients and providers alike. We may be witnessing one such evolution now with the advent of waterproof casts. 

Let’s take a look at how the current, traditional plaster or fiberglass cast compares to new waterproof arm casts in key areas important to patients and if they may be the next step for you as a provider. 

Traditional Casts vs Waterproof Casts: Hygiene 

Hygiene is paramount in patient care. Without proper hygienic environments, traditional casts can be breeding grounds for bacteria and lead to hazardous conditions. 

Though rare, infectious events stemming from plaster and fiberglass casts have been known to happen especially in populations with low behavioral adherence to proper cast care and maintenance. 

But even the general population with broken limbs can still be subjected to bacterial environments and they can become infected even when following proper cast care. For example, a 43-year-old woman who ignored an itching sensation, following typical protocol, actually had a bacterial infection that ultimately developed into necrotizing fasciitis. 

Though widely used and traditionally safe, plaster and fiberglass casts can introduce patients to bacterial infections. The mitigation of this risk is vital. In an effort to reduce these infections, cast waterproofing solutions like neoprene and moisture-resistant fiberglass have become more popular. While these solutions repel water, they are not sanitizable and can still trap pockets of moisture underneath the cast causing skin breakdown. As a result, many providers and children’s hospitals opt against it. 

In addition, many patients get infections from surgery incisions or the injury itself that gets covered by traditional casts (including "waterproof" ones) because they are unable to practice basic hygiene, sanitize the wound and/or use antibacterial topicals. These infections are difficult to detect underneath traditional casts because patients can not observe the wounds and often notice these infections only until they spread up the arm or leg, and by then, it can be very critical.

With these issues in mind, ActivArmor designed truly waterproof casts with an open lattice design so that patients can maintain their daily hygiene practices and observe their skin. The open lattice design provides drain holes, eliminating the issue of trapping moisture against the skin. Furthermore, this breathable design allows patients to easily treat wounds and incisions. Several studies have been published that demonstrate how ActivArmor’s waterproof casts, such as waterproof arm casts, significantly reduce bacterial counts and can be successfully decontaminated during patient immobilization. 

Traditional Casts vs ActivArmor Waterproof Casts: Patient Activity and Well-Being 

For the duration a patient wears a cast, maintaining a general and appropriate level of activity can impact not only healing the broken bone but also improve patient well-being. Encouraging the activity after a broken bone is a vital component of proper healing. 

Unfortunately, traditional casts prevent the maintenance of activity because of their size and heft. Also, in terms of bacteria, traditional casts shouldn’t be subject to excessive sweating otherwise they may create bacteria hotbeds. 

Waterproof casts, on the other hand, not only allow for greater mobility because of their lightweight design but also allow a patient to engage in activity without worrying about the bacterial environment excessive sweating may cause. 

What ActivArmor Waterproof Casts Are Made Of 

The waterproof casts from ActivArmor are made with ABS, a lightweight and durable hygienic and biocompatible plastic that’s utilized in toys, food packaging and even surgical tools. This material not only gives ActivArmor casts its waterproof properties but also customizability and greater mobility.

ActivArmor’s 3D printed, FDA-listed waterproof casts allow patients to enjoy the enduring tradition of casts while being at the forefront of technological evolution. 

If you’d like to provide your patients with ActivArmor’s waterproof casts and waterproof arm casts, click the button below to learn more.