Leg Cast Background

A leg cast is considered to be a lower extremity cast, while arm casts are known as upper extremity casts. A leg cast will be used on a patient that has suffered either a fracture of the leg, or a severe strain or sprain of the ankle.


Broken Leg Cast

A broken leg cast will typically fall within two categories, which are the long leg cast and the short leg cast. The type of cast that will be used will depend on the location of the fracture and the necessary stabilization of the leg in order to provide for the proper healing.

Long Leg Cast vs. Short Leg Cast

When it comes to the two types of leg casts, there are some advantages and disadvantages associated with each. Though both will prove to impede regular leg movement, it may the short leg cast that provides for the greatest range of mobility.