Diagram comparing short arm, long arm, short leg and long leg fiberglass orthopedic casts for broken bones

Types of Casts for Broken Bones: Arm, Leg, Fiberglass & Waterproof Casts

broken bone castRichard Katenhusen
Orthopedic casts are named by their material—fiberglass or plaster—and by the body area they cover, such as short arm, long arm, short leg or long leg. This guide explains every major cast type, compares fiberglass vs. plaster vs. waterproof casts, and shows which cast is commonly used for broken wrists, ankles, feet and legs.