Casting (Orthotics)
The process of capturing the three-dimensional shape of a patient's body segment using plaster, fibreglass, or foam impression materials to serve as a mould for fabricating a custom orthosis.
Full Definition
In orthotics, casting refers to the technique of creating an accurate negative impression of the relevant body segment — typically the foot, lower limb, or trunk — so that a positive model can be produced from which a custom orthotic device is fabricated. Common casting methods include plaster-of-Paris slipper casts, fibreglass casting tape, and foam box impressions. Editors must be careful not to confuse orthotic casting with fracture casting, which is the application of a rigid cast for immobilisation of a fracture and is a distinct clinical procedure. Clinical documentation should specify the casting method and the position in which the cast was taken, as these affect the resulting device's therapeutic properties. The term 'casting' in orthotics is sometimes replaced by 'scanning' in facilities using computer-aided design (CAD) workflows.
Usage
Usage note: Qualify as 'orthotic casting' in documents where fracture management or serial casting is also discussed, to avoid ambiguity.
In Context
- "The orthotist performed casting of the foot in subtalar neutral position before fabricating the custom foot orthosis." — Clinical procedure note
- "When editing orthotics reports, verify that 'casting' refers to impression-making for device fabrication and not fracture immobilisation." — Editorial annotation