Casting
The process of capturing a three-dimensional impression of a patient's body part—typically a foot or limb—as the basis for fabricating a custom orthosis.
Full Definition
Casting in orthotic services involves creating a negative impression of a body segment, most commonly the foot or lower limb, using plaster of Paris bandage, fiberglass, or a foam impression box. The negative cast is then used to produce a positive model, from which the custom orthosis is thermoformed or laminated. Digital scanning is increasingly used as an alternative to traditional casting. Clinical documentation should specify the casting technique used (e.g., semi-weightbearing, non-weightbearing, or foam impression) as this affects the resulting orthosis. Editors must not confuse orthopaedic 'casting' (immobilisation in plaster) with orthotic casting (a measurement and fabrication technique).
Usage
Usage note: Specify the casting method in clinical documents. Do not confuse orthotic casting (fabrication technique) with orthopaedic casting (immobilisation).
In Context
- "Non-weightbearing casting was performed with the subtalar joint held in neutral position." — Orthotic fabrication record
- "The report referenced 'casting' without specifying the technique; the editor queried whether plaster or foam impression had been used." — Clinical document review