Definition

Noun: 1. A rigid, protective covering: A plaster cast is a hard shell, typically made from plaster of Paris or a similar material, that is molded to fit around a broken or fractured limb. Its primary purpose is to immobilize the injured bones and joints completely, holding them in the correct position to allow for proper healing.

Usage

A plaster cast is applied by a medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse, after a bone has been set (repositioned). It remains in place for several weeks until the bone has healed sufficiently.

Examples

• Noun:
  • After breaking his arm, the doctor put it in a plaster cast.
  • She had to wear a plaster cast on her leg for six weeks.
  • The child got all his friends to sign his plaster cast.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in a plaster cast": To have a limb immobilized by this medical device.
  • He will be in a plaster cast for the next month.
• "To have a plaster cast removed": To have the hard shell taken off by a medical professional once healing is complete.
  • She was relieved to finally have the plaster cast removed.

Variants and Related Words

• Cast (n): A more general term for the rigid immobilizing device; "plaster cast" is a specific type of cast. In modern medicine, fiberglass casts are also common.
  • The athlete wore a cast on his ankle.
• Plaster of Paris (n): The white powdery substance made from gypsum that, when mixed with water, hardens into a solid mass. It is the traditional material for making a plaster cast.

Synonyms

• Orthopedic cast: A more technical term.
• Surgical cast: Another medical term.

Related Phrases

• "To set a bone": To realign the broken ends of a bone before applying the cast.
• "To be casted": (Medical jargon) To have a cast applied.
  • The patient was casted in the emergency room.

Noun

1. bandage consisting of a firm covering (often made of plaster of Paris) that immobilizes broken bones while they heal