Technical Note: "Laminating" Synthetic Casting Tape
One of the benefits of being a clinical educator in Marlo Ortiz' OPGA-MAS course is the opportunity to learn various technical tricks from the experienced prosthetists who have attended. To facilitate safe ambulation in the laboratory on a clear test socket, attendees are instructed to use synthetic casting tape as a reinforcement material. Joseph Sadowski, CPO from Sawtooth Orthotics and Prosthetics in Boise, Idaho demonstrated the simple method that he uses to insure thorough bonding of all layers, which also results in such a smooth outer finish that it almost seems to have been "laminated".
Joe applies the synthetic tape in the desired splint or circumferential wrap manner to provide adequate reinforcement. He then immediately over-wraps the entire reinforcement with black PVC tape, pulled snugly so that each successive layer bonds to the preceding one. This forces the water-activated resin to penetrate all the layers, and squeezes them firmly against one another, which results in a thinner final structure. As soon as the casting tape has set, the PVC can be easily removed and the outside finish is much less abrasive than the typical fiberglass tape wrap.
If desired, the PVC tape can be left in place, creating a plastic "skin" that eliminates abrasion against the skin, inside jeans or slacks, and adds a more "finished" appearance to the trial prosthesis.
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Joseph Sadowski CPO suggests over-wrapping synthetic casting tape with PVC tape to create a thinner, stronger, and smoother final result. The PVC tape can be left in place, or easily removed once the fiberglass reinforcement has hardened.
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