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Description
Short Arm Cast Kit (SAC) — Complete Fiberglass Wrist & Forearm Cast Kit
The OrthoTape Short Arm Cast Kit is a complete, professional-grade solution for short arm cast application and wrist/forearm immobilization. Every component — fiberglass tape, cast padding, stockinette, and gloves — is pre-selected and sized for a short arm cast, so there's no guesswork. The same kit also works for a thumb spica cast, with the included 1" stockinette strip providing proper thumb coverage. Ideal for clinics, urgent care facilities, and informed patients preparing for their next cast change. 16+ color choices.
🆕 Why Buy Direct from OrthoTape?
Most doctor's offices stock only 2–3 basic cast colors because they don't want to manage large inventories. That means you're often stuck with white or beige — for a cast you'll wear for weeks. OrthoTape offers 16+ colors at a fraction of what clinics charge. Same professional-grade materials. Your color. Your choice. Many patients bring their OrthoTape kit to their appointment — doctors are happy to use it.
✓ Key Features
Complete kit — fiberglass tape, cast padding, stockinette, and gloves included
Waterproof fiberglass — durable, lightweight, water-resistant once cured
16+ color choices — far more than most medical offices stock
Professional quality — same materials used by medical professionals
Short arm cast & thumb spica cast ready — includes 1" stockinette strip for thumb coverage
Versatile sizing — suitable for adult and pediatric patients
📋 Common Uses — Short Arm Cast & Thumb Spica Cast
Wrist fractures
Distal radius fractures
Scaphoid fractures
Carpal injuries
Thumb spica cast (De Quervain's tenosynovitis, thumb fractures, UCL injuries)
Post-operative immobilization
📦 Kit Contents
Component
Quantity
Fiberglass Tape
1 roll of 3" & 2 rolls of 2"
Cast Padding
1 roll of 3" & 2 rolls of 2"
Stockinette
Adult: 24" of 3" (choice of color) + 12" of 1" for thumb Child: 24" of 2" (choice of color) + 12" of 1" for thumb
Gloves
2 pairs
Each kit is carefully assembled to ensure the right quantities and sizes for a successful short arm cast application — covering from below the elbow to the metacarpal heads, with proper thumb immobilization when needed for a thumb spica cast.
✅ Authorized Dealer & Warranty OrthoTape is an authorized dealer of all casting materials sold on this site. All products are genuine, factory-sealed, and sourced directly from the manufacturer. FSA/HSA Eligible — orthopedic casting supplies qualify as an eligible medical expense. HCPCS: A6216 (casting supplies). 100% Satisfaction Guarantee — photo proof required for returns or replacements.
Medical Disclaimer: This product should be applied by a trained medical professional or for educational training. Always consult a doctor before use. Never apply fiberglass cast tape directly to the skin. Printed tape (Camo) is a polyester fabric instead of fiberglass.
🎥 How to Apply a Short Arm Cast
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is a short arm cast and when is it used?
A short arm cast extends from just below the elbow to the metacarpal heads (knuckles), immobilizing the wrist and forearm while leaving the elbow and fingers free. It is most commonly prescribed for distal radius fractures, scaphoid fractures, carpal bone injuries, and post-operative wrist immobilization. The short arm cast is one of the most frequently applied orthopedic casts in emergency and urgent care settings.
What is a thumb spica cast and how is it different from a short arm cast?
A thumb spica cast is a variation of the short arm cast that extends to immobilize the thumb in addition to the wrist and forearm. It is used for scaphoid fractures, thumb fractures, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries ("skier's thumb"), and first carpometacarpal joint injuries. The OrthoTape Short Arm Cast Kit includes a 1" stockinette strip specifically for thumb coverage, making it suitable for both standard short arm casts and thumb spica casts.
How long do you wear a short arm cast for a wrist fracture?
Most wrist fractures require 4–8 weeks of immobilization in a short arm cast, depending on the fracture type, severity, and patient age. Distal radius fractures typically require 4–6 weeks. Scaphoid fractures may require 6–12 weeks due to the scaphoid's limited blood supply and slower healing. Your orthopedic surgeon will determine the appropriate duration based on imaging and clinical assessment.
Can I bring my own cast kit to my doctor's appointment?
Yes — many patients bring their OrthoTape kit to their appointment. Doctors and casting technicians are generally happy to use patient-supplied materials, and you'll save money on the casting materials portion of your visit. You'll also get to choose from 16+ colors instead of the 2–3 basic options most offices stock. It's best to have your kit in hand 1–2 days before your appointment.
Is fiberglass or plaster better for a short arm cast?
Fiberglass is the preferred material for most short arm casts today. It is lighter, stronger, more durable, and water-resistant compared to plaster. Fiberglass casts also allow for better X-ray visualization. Plaster is still used in some clinical settings for initial casting when significant swelling is expected, as it is easier to mold and adjust. The OrthoTape Short Arm Cast Kit uses professional-grade fiberglass tape — the same material used in orthopedic clinics and hospitals.
🛒 Shop Related Casting Supplies
Need individual components or other cast kits? Browse our full casting supply lineup:
This is a top of the line boot. I have used another brand given to me by my doctors office that that had a lip on the outside not padded which created skin breakdown on the out side of my foot. The form fit design does not have a lip and has more rubber padding at the sides than the competitor. I showed the difference in engineering design to my doctor and highly recommended the form fit boot. Please
Note they were the same price.
So, I finally got the opportunity to use the casting tape today. I want to preface this by saying I'm not a professional caster.
The tape seemed to dry out a bit too fast (it was a bit of a hot day, but I used cold tap water. As a result, the layers didn't seem to mold together very well. However, that may have more to do with MY lack of experience.
The one complaint is that the hot pink had some light (almost white) spots in the roll, and a strange waffle pattern in the ends of the rolls.
Hi Alan, thanks for sharing your experience. The white spots are caused by the dry gloves touching the casting tape. Usually when I do a final layer, I do not touch the tape at all except for the sides, so I get the perfect color finish. As for the honeycomb at the end. In our next batch we are changing that center so it does not do that. Usally I cut it off with scissors before that. As for drying out, that has to do with how fast you are at casting. Since you said you were new at it, that can happen as you have to work quickly with the tape before it hardens. You will get better with more practice. Also make sure your bucket is a new bucket, a household cleaning bucket can have cleaning residue which can cause issue with the polyurethane resin.
I have used in the past and it is great! Best advice is that it stretches more so get a size smaller than you think. But it’s a lifesaver in pediatrics!!
Hi Ericca, thank you for your wonderful feedback! If you like Delta Dry, try our OrthoH2O we are happy to send some samples to you. It is a much easier one piece application. It does not tear easy like Delta Dry and it is much more cost effective. See it here or search OrthoH2O on our site: https://orthotape.com/collections/orthoh2o-waterproof-cast
