Posterior Ankle Splint Kit — Soft Cast, Removable Half Cast & Fracture Treatment
The professional-grade posterior ankle splint — a soft cast and removable half cast — used by emergency departments and orthopedic clinics. If you've been searching for a soft cast for foot, removable cast, half cast, sprain cast, short leg soft cast, soft cast for foot fracture, foot splint for sprain, or removable plaster cast — this is the upgraded fiberglass version that clinicians now use instead. Same posterior immobilization with the ankle set at 90°. Lighter weight. Faster setting. More durable than plaster. Fully removable for wound checks and hygiene.
This complete professional-grade kit includes pre-padded synthetic fiberglass splint material, self-adhesive bandages, and synthetic padding for quick, effective treatment of severe ankle sprains, fractures — including posterior malleolus fractures — and post-operative care, with no additional materials needed. Sets in just 5–7 minutes.
Medical Uses & Indications
- Severe Ankle Sprains — Grade II and III ligament injuries; ideal foot splint for sprain
- Soft Cast for Foot Fracture — Distal tibia, fibula, and metatarsal fractures
- Posterior Malleolus Fractures — Fractures of the back of the ankle requiring posterior immobilization
- Malleolar Fractures — Medial, lateral, and trimalleolar ankle fractures
- Achilles Tendon Injuries — Partial tears and post-repair immobilization
- Post-operative Immobilization — After ankle surgery or procedures
Key Features
- Soft Cast Design: Flexible fiberglass slab — not a rigid circumferential cast — allows for swelling control
- Removable Half Cast: Can be removed for wound checks, hygiene, and follow-up imaging
- Short Leg Soft Cast: Covers from foot to mid-calf — the standard short leg immobilization zone
- Pre-Padded Design: Padding already built into splint material — no extra layers or stockinette needed
- Quick-Setting: Hardens in just 5–7 minutes for fast patient care
- Ankle Set at 90°: Optimal neutral position for healing and patient comfort
- Complete Kit: Includes splint, self-adhesive bandages, cast padding, and gloves
- Professional Quality: Same materials used by orthopedic specialists and emergency departments
- Radiolucent: Compatible with X-ray imaging without removal
- Color Options: White, Black, and Hot Pink bandage colors available
What Is a Soft Cast / Removable Half Cast for the Ankle?
A posterior ankle splint — commonly called a soft cast, removable cast, or half cast — is a fiberglass slab applied to the back of the lower leg and foot, holding the ankle in a neutral 90° position. Unlike a full circumferential plaster or fiberglass cast, this removable half cast design allows room for swelling in the acute phase of injury and can be taken off for wound checks, hygiene, and follow-up X-rays — making it the preferred immobilization method in emergency settings.
This short leg soft cast is the standard of care for posterior malleolus fractures, bimalleolar and trimalleolar ankle fractures, severe ankle sprains, and Achilles tendon injuries. Historically made from plaster of Paris (removable plaster cast), modern clinical practice has shifted to fiberglass — which sets faster, weighs significantly less, and is far more durable.
Kit Contents by Size
| Size | Splint Dimensions* | Self-Adhesive Bandage | Synthetic Padding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child 6–12 | 3" × 35" | 2 Rolls 3" | 1 Roll 2" |
| Teen 13–17 | 4" × 30" | 2 Rolls 3" | 1 Roll 3" |
| Adult 18+ | 5" × 30" | 2 Rolls 3" | 1 Roll 4" |
* Trim the splint to the correct length for the individual patient.
How to Apply a Posterior Ankle Splint (Soft Cast)
Why Buy Direct Instead of at Your Doctor's Office?
Purchasing your soft cast or posterior ankle splint kit directly from OrthoTape offers significant advantages over getting it at your doctor's office or emergency room. Emergency room splint applications can cost $300–600 or more when billed through insurance, while our complete kit costs a fraction of that. Our splint materials are the same professional-grade products — if not better — than what your doctor or ER uses, meeting or exceeding all industry standards.
Many medical offices have limited inventory and may only stock basic white bandages, while we offer multiple color options. By ordering from us, you get exactly what you need at a fraction of the cost, with fast shipping directly to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions — Soft Cast, Half Cast & Posterior Ankle Splint
Is a posterior ankle splint the same as a soft cast or half cast?
Yes — a posterior ankle splint is the clinical name for what patients commonly call a soft cast, half cast, removable cast, or sprain cast. Unlike a full circumferential cast, it covers only the back (posterior) of the lower leg and foot — which is why it's also called a half cast. The soft cast design allows room for swelling in the acute injury phase and can be removed for wound checks, hygiene, and follow-up imaging. It functions as a short leg soft cast when applied from the foot to mid-calf.
Can I use this as a soft cast for a foot fracture?
Yes. This kit is commonly used as a soft cast for foot fracture and ankle fracture immobilization, including distal tibia fractures, fibula fractures, posterior malleolus fractures, and metatarsal fractures. The fiberglass slab provides rigid posterior support while the removable design allows for swelling and follow-up care. Always follow your orthopedic surgeon's specific protocol for fracture management.
What is a posterior ankle splint and when is it used?
A posterior ankle splint — also called an ankle soft cast — is a fiberglass slab applied to the back (posterior) of the lower leg and foot, holding the ankle in a neutral 90° position. It is the standard acute immobilization technique used in emergency departments and orthopedic offices for severe ankle sprains (Grade II–III), posterior malleolus fractures, distal tibia and fibula fractures, malleolar fractures, Achilles tendon injuries, and post-operative ankle care. The posterior design allows for swelling while maintaining immobilization — making it preferable to a circumferential cast in the acute phase.
What is a posterior malleolus fracture and how is it treated?
The posterior malleolus is the back portion of the tibia at the ankle joint. A posterior malleolus fracture occurs when this bony prominence is broken, often as part of a trimalleolar or bimalleolar ankle fracture. Non-displaced or minimally displaced posterior malleolus fractures involving less than 25% of the joint surface are typically treated conservatively with a posterior ankle splint (soft cast) for 4–6 weeks, followed by a walking boot and physical therapy. Larger fragments or displaced fractures may require surgical fixation. Always follow your orthopedic surgeon's specific protocol.
What is the difference between a Grade II and Grade III ankle sprain?
A Grade II ankle sprain involves a partial tear of one or more ankle ligaments, causing moderate pain, swelling, bruising, and some instability. A Grade III sprain is a complete ligament rupture, resulting in significant instability, severe swelling, and inability to bear weight. Grade II sprains typically require 2–6 weeks of immobilization and rehabilitation. Grade III sprains may require 6–12 weeks and sometimes surgical evaluation. Both grades benefit from posterior splint immobilization in the acute phase to control swelling and protect the injured ligaments.
How long do I need to wear an ankle splint after a fracture or sprain?
Wearing duration depends on the injury type and severity. Severe ankle sprains typically require 1–3 weeks of splint immobilization followed by a walking boot and physical therapy. Distal fibula fractures may require 4–6 weeks. Posterior malleolus and bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures may require 6–12 weeks or surgical fixation. Achilles tendon repairs typically require 6–8 weeks of immobilization. Always follow your orthopedic surgeon's specific protocol — premature weight-bearing is a leading cause of re-injury and delayed healing.
What size posterior ankle splint should I order?
Choose based on patient age and leg size: Child 6–12 (3" × 35" splint, 2 rolls 3" bandage, 1 roll 2" pad), Teen 13–17 (4" × 30" splint, 2 rolls 3" bandage, 1 roll 3" pad), or Adult 18+ (5" × 30" splint, 2 rolls 3" bandage, 1 roll 4" pad). If between sizes, size up for better posterior coverage from foot to mid-calf.
Explore Other Fiberglass Splint Kits
Looking for a different splint type? OrthoTape offers complete fiberglass splint kits for upper and lower extremities — all with the same pre-padded, ready-to-apply design:
| Splint Kit | Best For |
|---|---|
| Posterior Knee Splint Kit | Knee fractures, sprains & post-op care |
| Ankle Stirrup Splint Kit | Lateral ankle stability |
| Long Arm Splint Kit | Elbow fractures & dislocations |
| Volar Wrist Splint Kit | Wrist fractures & sprains |
| Volar/Dorsal Wrist Short Arm Splint Kit | Short arm immobilization |
| Sugar Tong / Reverse Sugar Tong Wrist Kit | Distal radius & Colles' fractures |
| Ulnar Gutter Splint Kit | Boxer fractures (4th/5th metacarpal) |
| Thumb Spica Splint Kit | Thumb fractures & sprains |
→ View All Fiberglass Splint Kits
OrthoTape is an authorized dealer of all products sold on this site. This product should be applied by a trained medical professional or for educational training. Always consult a doctor before use for proper diagnosis and treatment. Ankle injuries should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out serious fractures or ligament damage. FSA/HSA eligible — check with your plan administrator. HCPCS: A4570.
