Plaster splints are available from most any orthopedic materials supplier. We strongly recommend ordering from a supplier who sells a lot of plaster. Similar to purchasing batteries, a supplier who turns over their inventory regularly will likely have the freshest plaster on hand.

We refer to Kingsley Manufacturing Co., in Costa Mesa , CA for plaster products.

Click on this link for their web site:

Biomechanical Services recommends using plaster splints for making neutral position impression molds of the feet. Plaster splints are easy to mold at minimal expense and the advantages in getting an accurate foot impression far exceed any encumbrances involved in arranging space and equipment for the casting procedure.

We suggest using 5” x 30” extra fast splints for making “slipper cast” impressions. This allows for shaping around a pediatric foot all the way to a size fourteen foot. Rolled splinting material can be used as well, according to personal preference.

Plaster splints are made from gauze that is impregnated with plaster of Paris, a powdered form of gypsum. When water is added, the gypsum recrystallizes. This hardening reaction releases heat. The possibility of discomfort or burns from the heat during this procedure is minimal, as the foot is not enveloped by the plaster bandage and the minimal number of layers used greatly reduces any potential risk of burns. The water used should be as hot as the person doing the casting can tolerate. The hotter the water the better, as this expedites the hardening process.

Plaster splints take between two and eight minutes to set, but they do not reach their maximum strength for approximately 24 hours. Fresh or a newly opened box of splints will set up faster and produce more heat in the process, about 2-3 minutes time. As the freshness of the splints degrade over time, it will take longer and longer for the splints to set up sufficiently for use in the molding procedure. If an opened box of splints sits around for more than six months, they will reach a point where they will not ever set up, no matter how hot the water used. When this happens, the only option is to discard them and order a new box.