If the cast saw becomes too hot, turn it off until it sufficiently cools. This vertical “in-and-out” sawing motion minimizes the heat generated by the cast saw and minimizes the potential for skin burns or abrasions that frequently occur when the saw is improperly angled and dragged or pulled along the cast. It should then be lifted out, moved to an adjacent spot, and the process repeated. When sawing, the saw blade should be firmly pressed against the cast at a 90-degree angle until it can be felt to completely pass through the cast shell.
If this device is not available, a wooden tongue depressor can be used to protect the skin at either end of the cast. This is especially useful when removing a cast from an especially anxious patient.
A long strip of rigid plastic is sometimes used to slip inside the cast to form a barrier between the saw blade and the patient's skin. Sawing over bony prominences, however, should be avoided because skin injuries can potentially occur in these locations. The clinician may demonstrate to the patient that the saw does not cut skin by gently touching the oscillating saw to the fleshy part of his or her hand. 21-15) is designed to cut rigid cast material, but not padding, stockinette, or underlying skin. Inform the patient that an oscillating cast saw ( Fig.
