Cast vs. Splint — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
A cast is a rigid and sturdy covering, usually made of plaster or fiberglass, designed to immobilize broken bones during healing. A splint, in contrast, is a more flexible and adjustable form of support for injured limbs, offering temporary stabilization.
Difference Between Cast and Splint
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Key Differences
Cast and Splint are both medical devices used for supporting and immobilizing broken bones or injured limbs, but they have distinct characteristics. A cast is a rigid encasement typically made of plaster or fiberglass. It entirely wraps around the injured area, providing firm support and restricting movement to promote healing. Casts are often custom-made to fit the specific body part and injury.
On the other hand, a splint is a less rigid support used for similar purposes but is often more temporary and adjustable. Splints can be made of various materials, including metal, plastic, or padded wood, and are secured in place with straps or bandages. They don’t encase the injured area completely, allowing for some flexibility and swelling.
In terms of application, casts are generally used for more severe fractures or injuries that require strict immobilization. They are applied by healthcare professionals and usually remain in place for several weeks. Splints, conversely, are often used for less severe injuries or as a temporary measure before a cast is applied. They can sometimes be self-applied or adjusted.
When it comes to comfort and convenience, casts can be cumbersome and heavy, making daily activities more challenging. Splints are usually lighter and can be removed for bathing or gentle exercises, as advised by a medical professional.
Comparison Chart
Rigidity
Rigid
Less rigid, adjustable
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Material
Plaster or fiberglass
Metal, plastic, or padded wood
Encasement
Entirely wraps injured area
Partial support, allows for swelling
Duration
Long-term, several weeks
Often temporary or for initial treatment
Application
More severe fractures
Less severe injuries or temporary measure
Compare with Definitions
Cast
Fiberglass Enclosure
His broken ankle was secured in a fiberglass cast.
Splint
Temporary Support
He used a splint until the swelling reduced.
Cast
Throw (something) forcefully in a specified direction
Individuals who do not accept the norms are cast out from the group
He cast the book down on to the chair angrily
The fishermen cast a large net around a school of tuna
Splint
Adjustable Brace
The splint on her arm could be adjusted for comfort.
Cast
Cause (light or shadow) to appear on a surface
The moon cast a pale light over the cottages
Splint
Less Rigid Device
For her minor fracture, a splint was sufficient.
Cast
Discard
He jumped in, casting caution to the wind
Splint
Initial Treatment Tool
A splint was applied as an initial treatment.
Cast
Shape (metal or other material) by pouring it into a mould while molten
When hammered or cast, bronze could be made into tools
Splint
A strip of rigid material used for supporting and immobilizing a broken bone when it has been set
She had to wear splints on her legs
Cast
Register (a vote)
Votes have been cast in 40 per cent of the seats
Splint
A long, thin strip of wood used to light a fire.
Cast
Cause (a magic spell) to take effect
The city casts a spell on the visitor
The witch cast a spell on her to turn her into a beast
Splint
A bony enlargement on the inside of a horse's leg, on the splint bone.
Cast
Calculate and record details of (a horoscope)
You can look at the star chart cast at somebody's birth
Splint
A fragment of diamond.
Cast
(in country dancing) change one's position by moving a certain number of places in a certain direction along the outside of the line in which one is dancing
Cross the set and cast down one place
Splint
Secure (a broken limb) with a splint or splints
His leg was splinted
Cast
(of a dog) search in different directions for a lost scent
The dog cast furiously for the vanished rabbit
Splint
A thin piece split off from a larger piece; a splinter.
Cast
Immobilize (an animal, especially a cow) by using a rope to cause it to fall on its side.
Splint
A rigid device used to prevent motion of a joint or of the ends of a fractured bone.
Cast
Assign a part in a play or film to (an actor)
He was cast as a young knight in her lavish historical epic
Splint
A dental appliance put on the teeth to protect them from grinding or from moving out of place.
Cast
An object made by shaping molten metal or similar material in a mould
Bronze casts of the sculpture
Splint
A thin, flexible wooden strip, such as one used in the making of baskets or chair bottoms.
Cast
An act of throwing something forcefully
He grabbed a spear for a third cast
Splint
A plate or strip of metal.
Cast
The form or appearance of something, especially someone's features or complexion
She had a somewhat masculine cast of countenance
The colours he wore emphasized the olive cast of his skin
Splint
A bony enlargement of the cannon bone or splint bone of a horse.
Cast
A slight squint
He had a cast in one eye
Splint
To support or restrict with or as if with a splint.
Cast
Short for worm cast
Splint
A narrow strip of wood split or peeled from a larger piece.
Cast
A wide search made by a hound or pack of hounds to find a trail.
Splint
(dentistry) A dental device applied consequent to undergoing orthodontia.
Cast
A pair or group of hawks or falcons
He gave one thousand pounds for a cast of hawks
Splint
(medicine) A device to immobilize a body part.
Cast
The actors taking part in a play, film, or other production
He draws sensitive performances from his inexperienced cast
Splint
A segment of armour consisting of a narrow overlapping plate.
Cast
To throw (something, especially something light)
The boy cast stones in the water.
Splint
(mining) splent coal
Cast
To throw with force; hurl
Waves that cast driftwood far up on the shore.
Splint
(zootomy) A bone found on either side of a horse's cannon bone; the second or fourth metacarpal (forelimb) or metatarsal (hindlimb) bone.
Cast
To throw or propel a lure or bait at the end of (a fishing line) into the water so as to catch fish or other aquatic life.
Splint
A disease affecting the splint bones, as a callosity or hard excrescence.
Cast
To throw (a net), as in fishing; cause to spread out.
Splint
(transitive) To apply a splint to; to fasten with splints.
Cast
To throw on the ground, as in wrestling.
Splint
To support one's abdomen with hands or a pillow before attempting to cough.
Cast
To let fall; drop
Cast anchor.
Splint
To split into thin, slender pieces; to splinter.
Cast
To roll or throw (dice, for example).
Splint
A piece split off; a splinter.
Cast
To draw (lots).
Splint
A thin piece of wood, or other substance, used to keep in place, or protect, an injured part, especially a broken bone when set.
Cast
To shed; molt
The snake cast its skin.
Splint
A splint bone.
Cast
To deposit or indicate (a ballot or vote).
Splint
A disease affecting the splint bones, as a callosity or hard excrescence.
Cast
To turn or direct
All eyes were cast upon the speaker.
Splint
One of the small plates of metal used in making splint armor. See Splint armor, below.
The knees and feet were defended by splints, or thin plates of steel.
Cast
To cause to fall onto or over something or in a certain direction
Candles casting light.
Trees casting shadows.
Splint
Splint, or splent, coal. See Splent coal, under Splent.
Cast
To assert in relation to someone or something or cause to be associated
Don't let him cast aspersions on your character. The results cast doubt on our hypothesis.
Splint
To split into splints, or thin, slender pieces; to splinter; to shiver.
Cast
To give birth to prematurely
The cow cast a calf.
Splint
A thin sliver of wood;
He lit the fire with a burning splint
Cast
To cause (hunting hounds) to scatter and circle in search of a lost scent.
Splint
An orthopedic mechanical device used to immobilize and protect a part of the body (as a broken leg)
Cast
To choose actors for (a play, for example).
Splint
Support with a splint;
Splint a broken finger
Cast
To assign a certain role to (an actor)
Cast her as the lead.
Splint
Support for Swelling
The splint allowed room for her injured leg to swell.
Cast
To assign an actor to (a part)
Cast each role carefully.
Cast
To form (liquid metal, for example) into a particular shape by pouring into a mold.
Cast
To make (an object) by casting liquid metal.
Cast
To arrange or devise
Cast the book in three parts.
Cast a plan.
Cast
To calculate or compute; add up (a column of figures).
Cast
To calculate astrologically
Cast my horoscope.
Cast
To warp; twist
Floorboards cast by age.
Cast
(Nautical) To turn (a ship); change to the opposite tack.
Cast
To throw something, especially to throw out a lure or bait at the end of a fishing line.
Cast
To add a column of figures; make calculations.
Cast
To receive form or shape in a mold
A material that casts well.
Cast
To become warped.
Cast
To search for a lost scent in hunting with hounds.
Cast
To veer to leeward from a former course; fall off.
Cast
To put about; tack.
Cast
To choose actors for the parts in a play, movie, or other theatrical presentation.
Cast
The act or an instance of casting or throwing.
Cast
The act or an instance of throwing a fishing line or net into the water.
Cast
The line or net thrown.
Cast
The distance covered by a throw.
Cast
A throw of dice.
Cast
The number on dice facing up when thrown.
Cast
A stroke of fortune or fate; a lot.
Cast
Something, such as molted skin, that is thrown off, out, or away.
Cast
A piece of excrement produced by an earthworm.
Cast
A direction or expression of the eyes.
Cast
A slight squint.
Cast
The addition of a column of figures; calculation.
Cast
A conjecture; a forecast.
Cast
The act of pouring molten material into a mold.
Cast
The amount of molten material poured into a mold at a single operation.
Cast
Something formed by this means or in a mold or matrix
The sculpture was a bronze cast. They made a cast of her face.
Cast
A rigid dressing, usually made of gauze and plaster of Paris, used to immobilize an injured body part, as in a fracture or dislocation. Also called plaster cast.
Cast
The form in which something is made or constructed; arrangement
The close-set cast of her features.
Cast
Outward form or look; appearance
A suit of stylish cast.
Cast
Sort; type
Fancied himself to be of a macho cast.
Cast
An inclination; tendency
Her thoughtful cast of mind.
Cast
The actors in a play, movie, or other theatrical presentation.
Cast
A slight trace of color; a tinge.
Cast
A distortion of shape.
Cast
The circling of hounds to pick up a scent in hunting.
Cast
A pair of hawks released by a falconer at one time.
Cast
(physical) To move, or be moved, away.
Cast
To throw.
Cast
To throw forward (a fishing line, net etc.) into the sea.
Cast
To throw down or aside.
Cast
(of an animal) To throw off (the skin) as a process of growth; to shed the hair or fur of the coat.
Cast
To remove, take off (clothes).
Cast
(nautical) To heave the lead and line in order to ascertain the depth of water.
Cast
(obsolete) To vomit.
Cast
(archaic) To throw up, as a mound, or rampart.
Cast
(archaic) To throw out or emit; to exhale.
Cast
To direct (one's eyes, gaze etc.).
Cast
(dated) To add up (a column of figures, accounts etc.); cross-cast refers to adding up a row of figures.
Cast
(social) To predict, to decide, to plan.
Cast
(astrology) To calculate the astrological value of (a horoscope, birth etc.).
Cast
(obsolete) To plan, intend.
Cast
(transitive) To assign (a role in a play or performance).
The director cast the part carefully.
Cast
(transitive) To assign a role in a play or performance to (an actor).
The director cast John Smith as King Lear.
Cast
To consider; to turn or revolve in the mind; to plan.
To cast about for reasons
Cast
(archaic) To impose; to bestow; to rest.
Cast
(archaic) To defeat in a lawsuit; to decide against; to convict.
To be cast in damages
Cast
To turn (the balance or scale); to overbalance; hence, to make preponderate; to decide.
A casting voice
Cast
To perform, bring forth (a magical spell or enchantment).
Cast
To throw (light etc.) on or upon something, or in a given direction.
Cast
(archaic) To give birth to (a child) prematurely; to miscarry.
Cast
To shape (molten metal etc.) by pouring into a mould; to make (an object) in such a way.
Cast
To stereotype or electrotype.
Cast
To twist or warp (of fabric, timber etc.).
Cast
(nautical) To bring the bows of a sailing ship on to the required tack just as the anchor is weighed by use of the headsail; to bring (a ship) round.
Cast
To deposit (a ballot or voting paper); to formally register (one's vote).
Cast
(computing) To change a variable type from, for example, integer to real, or integer to text.
Casting is generally an indication of bad design.
Cast
(hunting) Of dogs, hunters: to spread out and search for a scent.
Cast
(medicine) To set (a bone etc.) in a cast.
Some are still missing examples
Cast
(Wicca) To open a circle in order to begin a spell or meeting of witches.
Cast
(media) To broadcast (video) over the Internet or a local network, especially to one's television.
The streamer was the first to cast footage of the new game.
Cast
An act of throwing.
Cast
(fishing) An instance of throwing out a fishing line.
Cast
Something which has been thrown, dispersed etc.
Cast
A small mass of earth "thrown off" or excreted by a worm.
The area near the stream was covered with little bubbly worm casts.
Cast
The collective group of actors performing a play or production together. Contrasted with crew.
He’s in the cast of Oliver.
The cast was praised for a fine performance.
Cast
The casting procedure.
The men got into position for the cast, two at the ladle, two with long rods, all with heavy clothing.
Cast
An object made in a mould.
The cast would need a great deal of machining to become a recognizable finished part.
Cast
A supportive and immobilising device used to help mend broken bones.
The doctor put a cast on the boy’s broken arm.
Cast
The mould used to make cast objects.
A plaster cast was made from his face.
Cast
(hawking) The number of hawks (or occasionally other birds) cast off at one time; a pair.
Cast
A squint.
Cast
Visual appearance.
Her features had a delicate cast to them.
Cast
The form of one's thoughts, mind etc.
A cast of mind, a mental tendency.
Cast
Animal and insect remains which have been regurgitated by a bird.
Cast
A group of crabs.
Cast
Of an animal, such as a horse or sheep: Lying in a position from which it cannot rise on its own.
Cast
To send or drive by force; to throw; to fling; to hurl; to impel.
Uzziah prepared . . . slings to cast stones.
Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
We must be cast upon a certain island.
Cast
To direct or turn, as the eyes.
How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me!
Cast
To drop; to deposit; as, to cast a ballot.
Cast
To throw down, as in wrestling.
Cast
To throw up, as a mound, or rampart.
Thine enemies shall cast a trench [bank] about thee.
Cast
To throw off; to eject; to shed; to lose.
His filth within being cast.
Neither shall your vine cast her fruit.
The creatures that cast the skin are the snake, the viper, etc.
Cast
To bring forth prematurely; to slink.
Thy she-goats have not cast their young.
Cast
To throw out or emit; to exhale.
This . . . casts a sulphureous smell.
Cast
To cause to fall; to shed; to reflect; to throw; as, to cast a ray upon a screen; to cast light upon a subject.
Cast
To impose; to bestow; to rest.
The government I cast upon my brother.
Cast thy burden upon the Lord.
Cast
To dismiss; to discard; to cashier.
The state can not with safety cast him.
Cast
To compute; to reckon; to calculate; as, to cast a horoscope.
You cast the event of war, my noble lord.
Cast
To contrive; to plan.
The cloister . . . had, I doubt not, been cast for [an orange-house].
Cast
To defeat in a lawsuit; to decide against; to convict; as, to be cast in damages.
She was cast to be hanged.
Were the case referred to any competent judge, they would inevitably be cast.
Cast
To turn (the balance or scale); to overbalance; hence, to make preponderate; to decide; as, a casting voice.
How much interest casts the balance in cases dubious!
Cast
To form into a particular shape, by pouring liquid metal or other material into a mold; to fashion; to found; as, to cast bells, stoves, bullets.
Cast
To stereotype or electrotype.
Cast
To fix, distribute, or allot, as the parts of a play among actors; also to assign (an actor) for a part.
Our parts in the other world will be new cast.
Cast
To throw, as a line in angling, esp, with a fly hook.
Cast
To turn the head of a vessel around from the wind in getting under weigh.
Weigh anchor, cast to starboard.
Cast
To consider; to turn or revolve in the mind; to plan; as, to cast about for reasons.
She . . . cast in her mind what manner of salution this should be.
Cast
To calculate; to compute.
Who would cast and balance at a desk.
Cast
To receive form or shape in a mold.
It will not run thin, so as to cast and mold.
Cast
To warp; to become twisted out of shape.
Stuff is said to cast or warp when . . . it alters its flatness or straightness.
Cast
To vomit.
These verses . . . make me ready to cast.
Cast
The act of casting or throwing; a throw.
Cast
The thing thrown.
A cast of dreadful dust.
Cast
The distance to which a thing is or can be thrown.
Cast
A throw of dice; hence, a chance or venture.
An even cast whether the army should march this way or that way.
I have set my life upon a cast,And I will stand the hazard of the die.
Cast
That which is throw out or off, shed, or ejected; as, the skin of an insect, the refuse from a hawk's stomach, the excrement of a earthworm.
Cast
The act of casting in a mold.
And why such daily cast of brazen cannon.
Cast
An impression or mold, taken from a thing or person; amold; a pattern.
Cast
That which is formed in a mild; esp. a reproduction or copy, as of a work of art, in bronze or plaster, etc.; a casting.
Cast
Form; appearence; mien; air; style; as, a peculiar cast of countenance.
An heroic poem, but in another cast and figure.
And thus the native hue of resolutionIs sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought.
Cast
A tendency to any color; a tinge; a shade.
Gray with a cast of green.
Cast
A chance, opportunity, privilege, or advantage; specifically, an opportunity of riding; a lift.
We bargained with the driver to give us a cast to the next stage.
If we had the cast o' a cart to bring it.
Cast
The assignment of parts in a play to the actors.
Cast
A flight or a couple or set of hawks let go at one time from the hand.
As when a cast of falcons make their flight.
Cast
A stoke, touch, or trick.
This was a cast of Wood's politics; for his information was wholly false.
Cast
A motion or turn, as of the eye; direction; look; glance; squint.
The cast of the eye is a gesture of aversion.
And let you see with one cast of an eye.
This freakish, elvish cast came into the child's eye.
Cast
A tube or funnel for conveying metal into a mold.
Cast
Four; that is, as many as are thrown into a vessel at once in counting herrings, etc; a warp.
Cast
Contrivance; plot, design.
Cast
The actors in a play
Cast
Container into which liquid is poured to create a given shape when it hardens
Cast
The distinctive form in which a thing is made;
Pottery of this cast was found throughout the region
Cast
The visual appearance of something or someone;
The delicate cast of his features
Cast
Bandage consisting of a firm covering (often made of plaster of Paris) that immobilizes broken bones while they heal
Cast
Object formed by a mold
Cast
The act of throwing dice
Cast
The act of throwing a fishing line out over the water by means of a rod and reel
Cast
A violent throw
Cast
Put or send forth;
She threw the flashlight beam into the corner
The setting sun threw long shadows
Cast a spell
Cast a warm light
Cast
Deposit;
Cast a vote
Cast a ballot
Cast
Select to play,sing, or dance a part in a play, movie, musical, opera, or ballet;
He cast a young woman in the role of Desdemona
Cast
Throw forcefully
Cast
Assign the roles of (a movie or a play) to actors;
Who cast this beautiful movie?
Cast
Move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment;
The gypsies roamed the woods
Roving vagabonds
The wandering Jew
The cattle roam across the prairie
The laborers drift from one town to the next
They rolled from town to town
Cast
Form by pouring (e.g., wax or hot metal) into a cast or mold;
Cast a bronze sculpture
Cast
Get rid of;
He shed his image as a pushy boss
Shed your clothes
Cast
Choose at random;
Draw a card
Cast lots
Cast
Formulate in a particular style or language;
I wouldn't put it that way
She cast her request in very polite language
Cast
Eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth;
After drinking too much, the students vomited
He purged continuously
The patient regurgitated the food we gave him last night
Cast
(of molten metal or glass) formed by pouring or pressing into a mold
Cast
Rigid Support
She wore a cast on her broken arm for six weeks.
Cast
Encasement for Healing
The doctor applied a cast to ensure proper healing.
Cast
Immobilization Device
The cast kept his injured leg immobile.
Cast
Custom-Made Support
A custom cast was made for her fractured wrist.
Common Curiosities
What's a splint?
A temporary, often adjustable support for injured limbs, less rigid than a cast.
Can a splint be adjustable?
Yes, splints are often adjustable and less rigid.
What is a cast?
A rigid encasement for broken bones, usually made of plaster or fiberglass.
Can splints be self-applied?
Some splints can be self-applied or adjusted.
When is a cast used?
For more severe fractures needing strict immobilization.
Are casts always custom-made?
Mostly, yes. They are shaped to fit the specific injured area.
Can splints be used before a cast?
Yes, splints are often used initially before applying a cast.
Is a cast heavier than a splint?
Generally, yes. Casts are more cumbersome.
Can splints allow for swelling?
Yes, splints offer room for swelling and are less constrictive.
Are casts waterproof?
Traditional plaster casts are not, but some modern fiberglass casts are water-resistant.
Are casts removable?
No, casts are not typically removable and are worn for several weeks.
Can splints be made of different materials?
Yes, splints can be made of metal, plastic, or padded wood.
Is a splint suitable for all types of fractures?
Not always. It's often used for less severe fractures or as a temporary measure.
Can you remove a splint for bathing?
Often, yes. Splints can usually be removed for bathing.
Do casts provide more support than splints?
Yes, casts offer firmer support and immobilization.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
