Ankle Stirrup Splint Kit — Soft Removable Half Cast & Fiberglass U-Splint for Sprained Ankle
The professional-grade ankle stirrup 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, foot splint for sprain, or removable plaster cast — this is the upgraded fiberglass version that clinicians now use instead. Same U-shaped lateral ankle immobilization. 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 ankle sprains, fractures, and post-operative care — with no additional materials needed. Sets in just 5–7 minutes.
Medical Uses & Indications
- Ankle Sprains — Grade I–II lateral and medial ligament injuries; ideal foot splint for sprain
- Sprain Cast Alternative — Soft removable half cast for sprained ankle, replacing traditional plaster sprain casts
- Ankle Strains — Muscle and tendon injuries around the ankle
- Hairline Fractures — Stress fractures of the ankle and lower leg
- Malleolar Fractures — Lateral and medial ankle bone fractures
- Shin Splints — Medial tibial stress syndrome
- 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
- Foot Splint for Sprain: U-shaped stirrup design wraps around the foot and ankle for superior lateral stability
- 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
- U-Shape Stirrup Design: Wraps around both sides of the ankle for superior lateral stability
- Prevents Inversion/Eversion: Stops harmful side-to-side ankle movement during healing
- 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 an Ankle Stirrup Soft Cast / Removable Half Cast?
An ankle stirrup splint — commonly called a soft cast, removable cast, half cast, or sprain cast — is a fiberglass slab shaped like a U that wraps around both sides of the lower leg and foot, preventing inversion and eversion (side-to-side movement). 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.
This stirrup splint is the preferred foot splint for sprain in emergency settings, providing excellent lateral stability while allowing some plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. The stirrup is often combined with a posterior ankle splint for maximum immobilization in fracture cases — together forming a complete short leg soft cast construct. 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 an Ankle Stirrup Splint (Soft Cast)
Why Buy Direct Instead of at Your Doctor's Office?
Purchasing your soft cast or ankle stirrup 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 $200–500 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 & Ankle Stirrup Splint
Is an ankle stirrup splint the same as a soft cast or removable half cast?
Yes — an ankle stirrup splint is the clinical name for what patients commonly call a soft cast, half cast, removable cast, or sprain cast. Unlike a full circumferential plaster cast, the stirrup design covers only the sides of the ankle in a U-shape — which is why it's also called a half cast. The soft cast design allows room for swelling and can be removed for wound checks, hygiene, and follow-up imaging, making it the preferred foot splint for sprain in emergency and orthopedic settings.
What is an ankle stirrup splint and how does it differ from a posterior ankle splint?
An ankle stirrup splint (U-splint) is a fiberglass slab shaped like a U that wraps around both sides of the ankle and lower leg, preventing inversion and eversion (side-to-side movement). A posterior ankle splint is applied to the back of the leg and holds the ankle at 90°, preventing plantar flexion. The stirrup provides lateral stability while allowing some up-and-down movement, making it ideal for ankle sprains. The two are often combined for maximum immobilization in fracture cases — together forming a complete short leg soft cast construct.
When is a stirrup splint used instead of a posterior ankle splint?
A stirrup splint is preferred when lateral ankle stability is the primary concern — such as for Grade I–II ankle sprains, mild malleolar fractures, and ankle strains. A posterior splint is preferred when the ankle needs to be held at 90° to prevent plantar flexion, such as for Achilles tendon injuries, distal tibia fractures, and severe sprains. For significant fractures or post-operative care, both splints are often applied together.
How long does this fiberglass splint take to set?
This fiberglass splint sets in approximately 5–7 minutes after activation with water and reaches full strength within 20–30 minutes. During the setting period, hold the ankle in the desired position without movement to ensure proper molding.
How long do I need to wear an ankle splint after a sprain?
Grade I sprains typically require 1–2 weeks of support. Grade II sprains may require 2–4 weeks of splinting followed by a walking boot and physical therapy. Grade III sprains may require 4–6 weeks or longer. Always follow your physician's specific protocol — returning to activity too soon is the leading cause of re-injury and chronic ankle instability.
What size should I order?
Choose based on patient age and leg size: Child 6–12 (3" × 35" splint), Teen 13–17 (4" × 30" splint), or Adult 18+ (5" × 30" splint). If between sizes, size up for better lateral coverage around the ankle.
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 Ankle Splint Kit | Ankle fractures, sprains & Achilles injuries |
| Posterior Knee Splint Kit | Knee fractures, sprains & post-op care |
| 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.