Waterproof Casts

When a child breaks a bone, one of the biggest concerns for parents is how their child will manage daily activities while wearing a cast. Traditional plaster and fiberglass casts have been used for decades, but they often come with challenges such as itching, unpleasant odors, skin irritation, and the need to keep the cast completely dry.

At ALL KIDZ URGENT CARE, we are proud to offer advanced waterproof casting technology for selected pediatric fractures using Cast21 and OrthoHeal waterproof casts. These innovative casts provide children with a more comfortable healing experience while allowing them to continue many of their normal daily activities. We are currently the only pediatric urgent care in our area offering these advanced waterproof casting options.

What Is a Waterproof Cast?

Waterproof casts are modern orthopedic immobilization devices designed to stabilize fractures while allowing air circulation and water exposure. Unlike traditional casts that completely cover the skin with layers of padding and fiberglass or plaster, waterproof casts utilize an open, breathable design that allows the skin to remain ventilated and easier to clean.

Cast21 and OrthoHeal waterproof casts are lightweight, breathable, washable, and designed to improve patient comfort during the healing process.

Traditional Plaster or Fiberglass Casts

Traditional casts have been used successfully for many years and remain an excellent treatment option for many fractures. However, they can create several challenges for children and families:

• Must remain dry during bathing and swimming
• Can become itchy and uncomfortable
• May trap sweat and moisture
• Can develop unpleasant odors over time
• Difficult to inspect the skin underneath
• Often require protective coverings during showers
• Can be bulky and heavy

If moisture becomes trapped beneath a traditional cast, skin irritation and discomfort may develop, and in some cases the cast may need replacement.

Waterproof Casts

Waterproof casts offer several advantages over traditional casting methods:

• Water-resistant design
• Lightweight construction
• Breathable and ventilated
• Improved comfort
• Reduced itching
• Easier skin hygiene
• Faster application
• Modern, attractive appearance
• Allows many children to return to normal activities more comfortably

The open lattice structure used in Cast21 allows airflow around the skin, helping reduce moisture buildup and discomfort commonly associated with traditional casts.

Similarly, OrthoHeal’s FlexiOH technology is specifically designed to provide rigidity while allowing ventilation, washability, and improved patient comfort during fracture healing.

Fractures That May Be Treated with Waterproof Casts

Depending on the fracture pattern, stability, and orthopedic evaluation, waterproof casts may be appropriate for selected pediatric injuries including:

Wrist Fractures

• Distal radius fractures
• Distal ulna fractures
• Buckle (torus) fractures
• Stable forearm fractures

Forearm Fractures

• Selected stable radius fractures
• Selected stable ulna fractures
• Certain both-bone forearm fractures after appropriate reduction and stabilization

Thumb Fractures

• Thumb proximal phalanx fractures
• Selected thumb metacarpal fractures
• Thumb injuries requiring thumb-spica immobilization

Upper Arm and Elbow Injuries

• Selected upper extremity fractures requiring immobilization
• Certain healing fractures transitioning from splinting to casting

Not every fracture is appropriate for waterproof casting. The decision depends on the fracture type, location, stability, age of the child, and orthopedic treatment plan.

Why Kids Love Waterproof Casts

Children often report that waterproof casts are:

• More comfortable
• Less itchy
• Easier to keep clean
• Lighter than traditional casts
• Better for sports spectators and active lifestyles
• More fun and colorful

Parents appreciate not having to worry about accidental water exposure during bathing, hand washing, or summer activities.

Expert Pediatric Fracture Care

At ALL KIDZ URGENT CARE, we provide comprehensive pediatric fracture evaluation and treatment, including:

• Digital X-ray imaging
• Fracture diagnosis
• Splint application
• Closed fracture management
• Waterproof cast placement
• Follow-up fracture care
• Orthopedic referrals when needed

Our goal is to help children heal comfortably while minimizing disruptions to school, sports, vacations, and everyday life.

Schedule an Evaluation

If your child has a suspected wrist fracture, forearm fracture, thumb fracture, or other upper extremity injury, our pediatric urgent care team can evaluate the injury and determine whether a waterproof cast is an appropriate treatment option.

ALL KIDZ URGENT CARE is proud to offer advanced waterproof casting technology using Cast21 and OrthoHeal systems to help children stay comfortable, active, and confident throughout the healing process.