Can the saw that cuts casts but not skin?

Inform the patient that an oscillating cast saw (Fig. 21-15) is designed to cut rigid cast material, but not padding, stockinette, or underlying skin. The clinician may demonstrate to the patient that the saw does not cut skin by gently touching the oscillating saw to the fleshy part of his or her hand.

How do they remove a cast from your arm?

The cast saw can cut through the fiberglass or plaster, the padding or cotton lining underneath will be removed with scissors. The nurse will cut down either side of the cast so they can get access to the padding. Then, they will use their rounded tip scissors to cut through the padding.

Can a bone saw cut through skin?

So, even when it’s loaded with a sharp circular saw blade, it won’t cut flesh. It just sort of jiggles your skin. This little blade can make a 1″ deep cut less than 1/2″ long by 0.020″ wide!

How do they remove plaster cast?

How Are Casts Taken Off? The cast is taken off with a small electrical saw. The saw cuts through the cast material but stops before it touches the skin.

How do you remove a cast without a saw?

Plaster casts can be removed in a few steps.

1. Fill the bucket with warm water, deep enough to fully submerge the cast. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to the water to break down the plaster material.
2. Soak the cast until the plaster begins to loosen.
3. Wash your skin with soap and water when the cast is removed.

How is a plaster cast removed?

Can I cut my cast off myself?

Avoid trimming the cast yourself. Contact your provider and ask to have your cast trimmed. Your provider will be able to inspect your cast to make sure it is still giving you the support you need. Don’t take your cast off.

Can cast saws cut skin?

It does not spin around like a circular saw. Against the firm surface of the plaster or fiberglass, the cast saw will cut through the material. However, against your skin, the cast saw simply moves the skin back and forth with the vibration, not cutting into the skin.

What happens after getting your arm cast removed?

What to expect: When the cast is removed, it is not unusual to experience some pain, swelling and stiffness of the joint for a few days and notice atrophy of the arm muscles for a few weeks. There will also be dry scaly skin around the arm. Do not rub it; it will gradually fall off.

How does a cast saw not cut you?

Cast saws have a sharp, small-toothed blade that rapidly vibrates back and forth. It does not spin around like a circular saw. However, against your skin, the cast saw simply moves the skin back and forth with the vibration, not cutting into the skin.

Do cast saws cut skin?

Cast saws have a sharp, small-toothed blade that rapidly vibrates back and forth. Against the firm surface of the plaster or fiberglass, the cast saw will cut through the material. However, against your skin, the cast saw simply moves the skin back and forth with the vibration, not cutting into the skin.

How do you remove a cast from a broken arm?

Remove the cast with a cast spreader. It will come off easily because the cast is in two pieces due to cutting it on opposite sides. Cut away the padding, or stockinet, with scissors. Start at the top of the arm towards the hand. Use rubbing alcohol on a piece of cotton wool to clean the arm. It will wash away dead skin and dirt build-up.

Can you get a small cut from a cast removal?

Cuts: Small skin lacerations are uncommon, but can occur. The teeth of the saw blade can be sharp enough to cut the skin. If ample padding is under the hard cast material, a skin laceration is unlikely. If you think you have sustained an injury as a result of cast removal, let your doctor know.

How do you remove a fiberglass cast without cutting skin?

Wash the patient’s skin with soap and water to remove residue from the cast. Apply a moisturizer to the clean skin. Cast saws have the ability to cut the fiberglass without cutting skin; a cast saw, by design, will not cut soft tissue. Never attempt to remove a cast with household tools, such as a hacksaw.

How does a cast saw cut through plaster?

Against the firm surface of the plaster or fiberglass, the cast saw will cut through the material. However, against your skin, the cast saw simply moves the skin back and forth with the vibration, not cutting into the skin.