Cost considerations when comparing regular fiberglass casting tape vs. conformable

Cost considerations when comparing regular fiberglass casting tape vs. conformable

Richard Feldman

11/30/2019

to <Email Address Redacted>

[image: *] Hi, I was just given an update by Paul Prusakowski the list
serve Obi-Wan that any attachment must be placed into a dropbox. Well, I
am just going to “sock it to you”.

[image: *] Here are the two questions I asked:

Hi,

1. Can the list give me a simple opinion regarding conformable vs. standard
synthetic casting tape?

The cost of the conformable is 30 percent more. Do you feel it's worth the
convenience

2. The cost of using an sts sock is 20 percent more than using conformable
casting tape. Do you feel it's worth the convenience?



These are the answers:

I started using comfortable fiberglass casting tape after taking an OOS
course in the early 90s and used it until I retired. Results are worth the
costs. Much better impressions and quicker hardening which worked very
well for my pediatric practice.

John Wall PT CPO



Why would anyone use standard casting tape? That would be like trying to
play basketball while wearing wooden pants! When I first used conformable
casting tape I thought I had died and gone to casting heaven.
While I have never used casting socks (I just never felt the need to have
it on hand) the cost of casting tape (or a casting sock) is a tiny fraction
of the cost of producing any device. Your speed, accuracy and convenience
far outweigh considerations of gross cost of these materials. Respectfully,
Aryehl

Hey Richard
I say give me the materials and I will find a way to master it’s forming
capabilities. That being said I do like spending a little more for the
conforming tape. Call me anal but I like a good cast. It’s like; I hate
wrinkles! They drive me nuts!!!
but like I say you must learn to use your medium. As long as you can deal
with each materials flaws like slow set off. Conforming takes more time to
allow full gelling enough to cut a straight line for removal and a sharp
blade. In all it will cost more time and money.
But for my art piece it’s worth it.
Thank you sincerely Ferhan Maher CPO

I have used techform for years for all casting. When you get accustomed to
it, it gives amazing detail (down to the stitches on the ribbons on a liner
if you need that!). I prefer it to the conforming casting tapes,
especially for the ability to manipulate as it goes off (I modify here). STS
socks I use in two applications: custom shoes, reducing a trans Continued
from above:-tibial prosthesis. A little more detail on the second. When
you have a successful socket but anatomical changes requiring socket
change, using an sts sock standing reveals gorgeous pressure map detail.
In areas of hi pressure it goes paper thin, areas of low pressure full knit
thickness. Sometimes that is all you need that is the shape for your new
socket.

John Clarke



I have used the sts socks in the past, I don't feel the cost is worth the
convenience. I use c-form for the majority of my orthoses now; plaster
casting when needed otherwise.

C-form is less messy, not as sticky, more time to work with if needed(cast
then spray with water to activate), don't have to wait for it to completely
harden before cutting off and still maintain its shape, can heat and
slightly modify the cast itself before pouring if needed. Have never looked
back since!



-Jacquelyn, CPO

I use tape that confirms and is pliable to work with. Saving in that
aspect ends in poor cast and poor cast ends in poor brace. I am yet to
find a way around that, as I do not believe in scanners, as I mold brace
into cast during casting.I do not use socks. My techs hate them. Too flimsy
for them to work
with. Too easy to distort removing. Wrapping sock to make it stronger
defies purpose. Also, they are not that easy to roll on, to be honest. I
use them for BK casting - cut toe-off and roll it onto residuum distal
end third. As it has toe in it, gives perfect distal shape total
contact. Does not work on large limbs. as L size is not large enough to
stretch.Otherwise, I can cast very well with tape very complex shapes. See
not
much issue there.

Hi Rick
I converted to st&g fiberglass comfortable plaster about 8 years ago and
never looked back. Works well for AFOs, BKs, AKs, and I use it for post op
BK dressings. Confirms nicely around ankles and distal ends. I generally
use 5” for everything but occasionally 4” if it’s a very small leg. One 5”
does an AFO or BK cast on an average size leg. I’ll add 3” if I need more.
It will stiffen up over night if I need to ship it like for a custom knee
brace. Post op usually takes 2 x 5” rolls.
Karl Entenmann CPO
Almost Emeritus

The additional cost of the conformable synthetic casting material is
definitely worth it. I have not found the STS sock to be as effective as
casting tape, and wouldn't use it even if it was the same price as
conformable.
John T. Brinkmann, MA, CPO/L, FAAOP NUPOC



ST&G comfortable 5in for afo casting is the best and affordable. It is
worth it.
Steven Hunter, CPO

Well guys enjoy the Holidays! I bought the STS and it was great! Maybe next
time I will try C-form

My thanks to everyone, *I am sorry if I missed noting anyone’s reply

Rick cpo