This episode of The Clinical Minute is all about the C-Form Tube from ST&G. SPS Marketing Consultant, Liz Hillen, M.Ed., CPO, LPO, shares why the C-Form Tube is an excellent option for taking a negative mold and provides directions for casting.
C-Form Tube by ST&G is a synthetic scanning sleeve that allows you to capture the negative anatomical shape of a patient in the proper plains, both the upper and lower part of the leg, and use the cast to make a custom orthosis or an above or below knee custom socket. The finished cast is excellent for digital scanning on the outer surface of the C-Form Tube with no overlapping wraps that are common with casting tape. The C-Form Tube has all the benefits of plaster wrap, but without the mess.
In addition, the C-Form material is radiolucent, meaning it’s superb for use in X-Rays. It comes in white and is available in 2”, 3”, 4”, and 5” widths and 20” and 28” lengths.
How to Take a Negative Mold of a Patient Using the ST&G C-Form Tube Synthetic Scanning Sleeve
Before you begin, you will need:
2. Container of water - hot water can be used for faster activation. Starting out, it’s recommended to use lukewarm water
3. EZ Cutter, or sharp scissors - EZ Cutter is best if using less than 4-ply, otherwise use scissors
4. Two nylon hoses, two stockinettes, or plastic wrap
5. Latex or Vinyl Gloves
6. Towel or paper towels
7. Cutting strip or cutting channel for orthotic casting or unusual shapes
8. Doff N’ Donner - to improve anatomical capture
9. Foot casting aid - to accommodate for relative heel height of a shoe, capturing forefoot dorsiflexion, and stabilizing alignment
Step 1: Apply a hose, stockinette, or plastic wrap to the patient and tape the cutting strip onto the leg for orthotic casting.
Step 2: Take the rolled tube out of the package and submerge in water. Lightly squeeze the roll while in the water to help water penetrate the material and start the resin to activate within the water–take care not to overly squeeze out aggressively, as this could cause excessive resin to surface which would cause an overly tacky material while handling.
Step 3: Remove from water and lightly squeeze excess water, or you can leave it wet. The key is to keep the roll wet, which helps to handle the tube while applying.
Step 4: Taking care to not excessively pull on the roll, apply the roll onto the area you wish to capture the shape of.
Step 5: Be sure to pinch off the distal end to capture the shape, or you can use a clip, rubber band, etc.
Step 6: After applying the C-Form tube, a Doff N’ Doffer can be used to assist in contouring efficiently to the shape. When you feel the heat from the resin setting off, this is when you want to shape the cast to fit the patient.
Step 7: After 4.5 - 5 minutes, the C-Form Tube will be ready to cut from the patient. When removing, the EZ Cutter works best if the cast is less than 4-ply. Lay the blade to the side at a 45-degree angle.
Once you have cut the C-Form Tube off of the patient, it is ready to be scanned and sent to the carver to make your custom device.
The C-Form Tube is an excellent addition to your casting work flow. Click the button below to order the ST&G C-Form Tube today:
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