Definition of plaster cast

The term "plaster cast" can be traced back to the 19th century when Edward JurWhichart, a German physician, first developed this medical technique. The word "plaster" itself originated from the Old French word "plastre," which meant a composition of lime and water used as a form of binding or fixing. Initially, JurWhichart's plaster casts were used primarily to immobilize patients' fractured bones. The process involved wet plaster bandages being wrapped around the affected limb, then being left to dry and harden. This provided the necessary stabilization for the bone to heal correctly. The use of plaster casts became widespread throughout the medical community in the 1800s as more doctors recognized their effectiveness in treating broken bones. The process itself remained largely unchanged, with wet plaster bandages being the preferred material until the 1950s when fiberglass-based casts were introduced as a lighter and more flexible alternative. In summary, the term "plaster cast" is derived from the Old French word "plastre" and has its roots in JurWhichart's medical innovations of the 19th century, which revolutionized the treatment of bone fractures. The technique remains an integral part of orthopedic medicine today.