Orthopedic Fiberglass Casting Tapes Gained Widespread Commercial Acceptance (1)
As compared to plaster of paris casts, the polymeric or so-called "synthetic" casting materials have advantages of being light weight and strong. Synthetic casting materials are also porous in the hardened state so that the cast is breathable. Typically, orthopedic fiberglass casting tapes are made from a curable resin-impregnated, narrow fabric tape. The fabric, which is preferably knit, can be formed of glass fibers and/or synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, polyolefins and the like.
Polyurethane orthopedic fiberglass casting tapes materials which have experienced widespread commercial acceptance are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,433,680 to Yoon. These casting materials employ a water-activatable, polyurethane, prepolymer which contains a dimorpholinodiethylether catalyst. The compositions have a long shelf life during which the polyurethane prepolymer remains in the resin state. When the bandage is to be used, it is dipped in water for several seconds and then is removed from the water and applied to the patient usually over a tubular, knitted fabric and a padding. The bandage will set rapidly to a condition where it is capable of immobilizing a fracture.
