Why ordinary casts must stay dry
- Plaster of Paris softens and loses strength when wet.
- The cotton or synthetic padding under a standard fiberglass cast holds water against the skin; damp padding can lead to itching, smell and skin breakdown.
- That is why patients are told to cover a cast with a bag in the shower and to stay out of the pool for weeks.
How FlexiOH can go in the water
FlexiOH is a photo-curing resin sealed in silicone over a latex-free foam liner, shaped as an open lattice. Once hardened under the RizyCure light, its rigidity does not change with heat or moisture. Water runs through the lattice, and because about 45% of the shell is open to air, the skin dries after a swim.
Swimming safely while the bone heals
- Pools, bathtubs and warm water are all fine.
- Avoid strenuous activity in the water — diving, contact games, heavy strokes — until your doctor says the fracture is ready.
- Let the limb dry in the air afterwards.
- Follow your doctor's instructions about how soon you can swim after the fracture is set.
Questions
Can my child swim with FlexiOH?
Yes, with the same care — no strenuous activity in the water while the fracture heals. For children the zip-puller is cut off so they cannot open it without help.
Do I need a waterproof cover?
No. FlexiOH does not need a bag, cover or cling film.
General information, not medical advice. FlexiOH is applied by, or under the direction of, a qualified orthopaedic practitioner; your treating clinician decides which immobilisation is right for your fracture. Availability and regulatory status vary by country.
Find a FlexiOH doctor
FlexiOH is supplied through hospitals and clinics. We will point you to one near you.