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Related Concept Videos

Bone Structure01:55

Bone Structure

Within the skeletal system, the structure of a bone, or osseous tissue, can be exemplified in a long bone, like the femur, where there are two types of osseous tissue: cortical and cancellous.
Bone Disorders01:29

Bone Disorders

Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone Remodeling01:40

Bone Remodeling

Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
Fractures: Bone Repair01:27

Fractures: Bone Repair

Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella01:16

Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella

The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the neck...
Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula01:10

Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula

The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

Lateral-PLIF for Lumbar Spinal Arthrodesis: A Detailed Step-By-Step Surgical Technique
08:36

Lateral-PLIF for Lumbar Spinal Arthrodesis: A Detailed Step-By-Step Surgical Technique

Published on: January 23, 2026

Plaster: our orthopaedic heritage: AAOS exhibit selection.

Marlene DeMaio1, Kathleen McHale, Martha Lenhart

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, 620 John Paul Jones Boulevard, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA.

The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|October 20, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Plaster casts and splints are vital for musculoskeletal immobilization, evolving from historical calcium sulfate to modern synthetics. Despite advancements, proper casting techniques remain crucial for effective fracture management.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 17, 2026

Lateral-PLIF for Lumbar Spinal Arthrodesis: A Detailed Step-By-Step Surgical Technique
08:36

Lateral-PLIF for Lumbar Spinal Arthrodesis: A Detailed Step-By-Step Surgical Technique

Published on: January 23, 2026

Area of Science:

  • Orthopaedic surgery
  • Biomaterials science
  • Medical history

Background:

  • Plaster has been a cornerstone in treating musculoskeletal conditions for centuries, providing essential immobilization.
  • Modern internal and external fixation methods have emerged, yet plaster casts and splints persist as critical external stabilization tools.

Observation:

  • The evolution of immobilization materials traces back to calcium sulfate in 1798, leading to plaster bandages in 1851 and synthetic fiberglass casts in the 1970s.
  • Splinting techniques, originating in ancient times, were significantly advanced by the need to treat war wounds.
  • Casting materials generate exothermic reactions, necessitating careful management of water temperature, material layers, and ventilation to prevent burns.

Findings:

  • Plaster casts, relying on soft-tissue contact for rigidity, offer distinct advantages and disadvantages.
  • Synthetic casting tapes, composed of polyurethane resin and fiberglass, represent a significant advancement in casting materials.
  • While internal fixation has largely replaced plaster for definitive fracture management, plaster casts and splints retain importance.

Implications:

  • Understanding the history and chemistry of immobilization materials is essential for proper casting techniques.
  • Plaster casts and splints continue to be indispensable for managing both acute and chronic orthopaedic conditions.
  • Proper application and material selection are key to optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing complications associated with immobilization therapies.