Polyurethane foam in postoperative casts.

One-half inch thick polyurethane foam is recommended for use in postoperative casts to avoid complications seen with postoperative swelling. The polyurethane is placed over the operative area, over the dorsum of the foot, and the anterior surface of the leg. The use of polyurethane foam in the postoperative cast not only avoids the necessity of having to split the cast in many instances but the foam also constitutes a compression dressing. If splitting of the postoperative cast should become necessary, the foam protects the skin.