Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.
Cast Care: Why You Need a Cast
Bones can break anywhere in the body. Casts are often used for fractures in the hands, arms, legs, or feet. There are many types of fractures. But all fractures heal the same way: New bone grows to connect the broken pieces. A cast holds broken bones in place while they heal.
How Bones Break
Depending on the injury, bones can break in different ways. These are the most common types of fractures. (You may have a fracture that's not shown here.)
Nondisplaced Fracture
Bone fragments (pieces) are lined up.
Displaced Fracture
Bone fragments are not lined up.
Comminuted Fracture
The bone is broken into three or more pieces.
Open Fracture
The bone breaks through the skin. (A fracture that doesn't break through the skin is a closed fracture.)
Greenstick Fracture
The bone bends, but may not break all the way. This happens most often in children, whose bones are softer and still growing.