Ankle Stirrup Fiberglass Splint Kit Soft Cast Half Cast
This professional-grade ankle stirrup fiberglass splint kit provides U-shaped support along both sides of the ankle for clinician-directed immobilization. Patients may also search for this type of ankle splint as a soft cast for foot, ankle soft cast, half cast, removable cast, sprain cast, or U-splint.
The complete kit includes pre-padded synthetic fiberglass splint material, two self-adhesive bandages, synthetic padding, and the primary materials needed to create a stirrup-style ankle splint. The fiberglass is moisture-activated and typically becomes firm within approximately 5–7 minutes after activation.
Medical Uses & Indications
- Ankle Sprains — Clinician-directed support when limiting side-to-side ankle motion is appropriate
- Selected Ankle Fractures — Temporary or definitive splinting when a healthcare professional determines a stirrup configuration is appropriate
- Selected Malleolar Injuries — Lateral or medial ankle injuries requiring additional side-to-side stability
- Post-operative Immobilization — Following selected ankle procedures when prescribed by the treating clinician
- Acute Ankle Injuries with Swelling — Noncircumferential support that allows more room for swelling than a full cast
- Combined Short Leg Splinting — May be paired with a posterior ankle splint when broader immobilization is required
Key Features
- U-Shape Stirrup Design: Fiberglass support travels along both sides of the ankle and beneath the heel
- Limits Inversion and Eversion: Helps restrict excessive side-to-side ankle movement
- Soft Cast / Half Cast Style: Common patient terms for this noncircumferential fiberglass splint configuration
- Pre-Padded Fiberglass: Padding is incorporated into the fiberglass splint material for easier preparation
- Quick-Setting: Typically becomes firm within approximately 5–7 minutes after moisture activation
- Complete Kit: Includes fiberglass splint material, two self-adhesive bandages, synthetic padding, and gloves
- Accommodates Swelling: Noncircumferential construction provides more room for acute swelling than a full rigid cast
- Professional Quality: Designed for clinician-directed orthopedic splinting and professional training
- Radiolucent: Compatible with X-ray imaging through the fiberglass material
- Color Options: White, Black, and Hot Pink self-adhesive bandage colors available
What Is an Ankle Stirrup Soft Cast or Half Cast?
An ankle stirrup splint, also called a U-splint, uses a long fiberglass slab that travels from one side of the lower leg, underneath the heel, and up the opposite side. This configuration helps limit ankle inversion and eversion while providing medial and lateral stability.
Patients often describe this type of noncircumferential splint as a soft cast, half cast, removable cast, or sprain cast. Unlike a full circumferential fiberglass or plaster cast, a stirrup splint leaves part of the ankle and lower leg uncovered, which helps accommodate swelling during the acute phase of an injury.
Removal, adjustment, or reapplication should follow the treating healthcare professional's instructions. A splint used for a fracture or significant injury should not be routinely removed without clinical direction.
Ankle Stirrup Splint vs Posterior Ankle Splint
An ankle stirrup and a posterior ankle splint control different types of motion. Understanding the difference can help explain why a clinician may choose one configuration or combine both.
| Splint Type | Configuration | Primary Motion Control |
|---|---|---|
| Ankle Stirrup Splint | U-shaped fiberglass support along both sides of the ankle and beneath the heel | Helps limit inversion and eversion |
| Posterior Ankle Splint | Fiberglass support along the back of the lower leg and foot | Greater control of plantarflexion and dorsiflexion |
| Combined Stirrup + Posterior Splint | Posterior support plus U-shaped medial/lateral support | Broader short leg immobilization when clinically indicated |
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+ | 4" × 30" | 2 Rolls 3" | 1 Roll 4" |
* Trim the fiberglass splint material to the appropriate length for the individual patient and application technique.
How to Apply an Ankle Stirrup Fiberglass Splint
Why Buy the Complete Splint Kit Direct?
Purchasing a complete ankle stirrup splint kit allows the primary splinting materials to be obtained together rather than purchasing the fiberglass splint material, padding, and self-adhesive bandages separately.
Some orthopedic offices and healthcare providers allow patients to obtain prescribed or recommended splinting supplies before an appointment. Clinic policies vary, so confirm the required splint type and materials with the treating provider when purchasing for a specific injury or procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ankle Stirrup Soft Cast and Half Cast
Is an ankle stirrup splint the same as a soft cast or half cast?
Soft cast and half cast are common patient terms for removable or noncircumferential splints. An ankle stirrup splint is specifically a U-shaped fiberglass splint that travels along both sides of the ankle and beneath the heel. Unlike a full circumferential cast, part of the ankle and lower leg remains uncovered to accommodate swelling.
What is the difference between an ankle stirrup splint and a posterior ankle splint?
An ankle stirrup splint provides U-shaped support along the medial and lateral sides of the ankle and helps limit inversion and eversion. A posterior ankle splint runs along the back of the lower leg and foot and provides greater control of plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. A clinician may combine both configurations when broader short leg immobilization is required.
Can this ankle stirrup splint be used for a sprained ankle?
A healthcare professional may select an ankle stirrup splint for certain ankle sprains when limiting side-to-side motion and providing medial and lateral support is appropriate. The correct treatment depends on the severity of the sprain, swelling, stability, ability to bear weight, and whether a fracture or other injury is present.
Can an ankle stirrup splint be used for a fracture?
A clinician may use a stirrup splint for selected ankle fractures or combine it with a posterior ankle splint when additional immobilization is needed. The appropriate splint configuration depends on the fracture location, stability, swelling, and treatment plan.
Does an ankle stirrup splint stop ankle movement?
The stirrup configuration primarily limits inversion and eversion, or side-to-side ankle movement. It generally provides less control of plantarflexion and dorsiflexion than a posterior ankle splint. When more complete short leg immobilization is required, a clinician may use both configurations together.
How quickly does the fiberglass ankle splint set?
The fiberglass material begins curing after moisture activation and typically becomes firm within approximately 5–7 minutes. Keep the sealed pouch closed until you are ready for application and work promptly after activation.
What size ankle stirrup splint kit should I order?
The current kits are Child 6–12 with 3-inch by 35-inch splint material, Teen 13–17 with 4-inch by 30-inch material, and Adult 18+ with 4-inch by 30-inch material. The fiberglass material can be trimmed to the appropriate length for the individual patient and application technique.
Can I use HSA or FSA funds for this ankle splint kit?
This product is FSA/HSA eligible. Plan requirements differ, so check your plan rules and retain your purchase receipt.
Explore Other Fiberglass Splint Kits
Looking for a different splint configuration? OrthoTape offers complete fiberglass splint kits for upper and lower extremities with pre-padded, ready-to-apply fiberglass splint material.
| Splint Kit | Best For |
|---|---|
| Posterior Ankle Splint Kit | Posterior short leg ankle support |
| Posterior Knee Splint Kit | Knee and lower-extremity immobilization |
| Long Arm Splint Kit | Elbow and forearm immobilization |
| Volar Wrist Splint Kit | Single-sided short arm wrist support |
| Volar Dorsal Wrist Splint Kit | Dual-sided short arm wrist support |
| Sugar Tong / Reverse Sugar Tong Wrist Kit | Wrist and forearm support with greater rotational control |
| Ulnar Gutter Splint Kit | Fourth and fifth metacarpal support |
| Thumb Spica Splint Kit | Thumb and radial wrist immobilization |
→ View All Fiberglass Splint Kits
OrthoTape is an authorized dealer of the products sold on this site. This product is intended for clinician-directed splinting or professional training. A qualified healthcare professional should determine the correct splint type, positioning, wearing time, weight-bearing status, and activity restrictions. Ankle injuries should be medically evaluated when fracture, instability, significant swelling, numbness, inability to bear weight, or another serious injury is suspected. FSA/HSA eligible — check with your plan administrator. HCPCS: A4570.