Fiberglass cast application in immediate post-operative period after an ankle fracture surgery: review of safeguards

An ankle fracture after stabilization may normally need post-operative support immobilization in a cast in the early phase to allow for the associated soft tissue ligamentous injury to recover. The cast may allow for an early rehabilitation of the operated ankle fractures with protected weight bearing potential. A cast immobilization in the immediate post-operative period following an ankle surgery has used gypsum plasters with great caution and care. The concerns of poor wound healing, infection, pressure ulcer, skin maceration due to soakage, development of compartment syndrome and thrombosis may present in the immediate post-operative period for ankle fractures following a cast application. The technique for fiberglass cast application in the immediate post-operative period may provide an advantage. The cast application needs an emphasis to understand the safeguards, avoid any abnormal pressure and do monitoring of wound care to attain a favorable desired outcome. The aspects of cast application have been reviewed to present the necessary safeguards.