Injuries are painful and inconvenient as is, but plaster casts that you have to wear for weeks make the whole experience even more miserable, unhygienic and very itchy. Luckily, that may all change soon, as a group of Chicago-based engineers developed a new, revolutionary type of cast that’s not only breathable but also waterproof, which promises to make the lives of many patients much easier very soon. You can read more about this innovative concept on the official web page of the inventors, Cast21.com, or by visiting their Instagram and Facebook page.
The concept was developed by a startup company called Cast21. The team that developed the innovative cast consists of three graduates of the University of Illinois: Jason Troutner, Ashley Moy, and Justin Brooks. The founders of the groundbreaking design state that compared to traditional plaster casts, their design is breathable, significantly more hygienic, and completely waterproof.
Another significant advantage of the cast is that it can be fitted to a patient in just 10 minutes with no additional equipment necessary. Similarly, the removal process doesn't require a circular saw and is much easier. The design uses liquid resin, which hardens almost instantly, supporting the fractured bone.
Step 1 of Application
Step 3 of Application
The resulting cast is quite lightweight and easy to wear, at least compared to a traditional plaster cast. It is easy to clean and allows you to take showers and baths at your own convenience, unlike a traditional cast.
The final bonus of this innovative cast doesn't require any major equipment to apply, making it very portable. This makes the Cast21 a potential must-have in a hiker's backpack, in your home first aid kit and numerous other situations. The design is still in development, being at the stage of testing by patients, but it may become available very soon.