Variability of short arm cast application: the influence of experience using fibreglass tape and QuickCast

A new short arm cast material which is heated to conform to the underlying limb was compared to conventional fibreglass tape. The time required for application, the pressures generated beneath the casts and the availability for digital motion were studied in three groups with varying lengths of casting experience. Results showed that the new immobilizer did not require additional time for application and provided similar interface pressures beneath the casts as compared to fibreglass tape. In addition, metacarpophalangeal joint motion was less restricted with the new casting experience. The shrinkable immobilizer thus offers an alternative to conventional fibreglass tape casts.