Years ago when you broke a bone, you were sent down to the cast room to get a clunky, plaster cast and at the time it was the only option for treating a break.
Today, there are more options and doctors are now making their treatment decision based on the type of break.
Many are now using splints instead of casts for simple breaks.
"They are a break but again because of the softest of the bone, it can be not a complete all the way through break. So the bone can break with just a buckle or it can break with what we call a green stick, more of a bend," said Dr. Carmen Brauer, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon.
Casts are still used quite often.
Kyle Collins broke his arm in a couple of places and was fitted with a cast to heal the breaks.
The main problem with a cast is that the arm can get quite itchy. A plaster cast also makes it difficult to bath or shower.
In addition, the skin is very delicate when the cast comes off.
"It gets really itchy and it's really heavy so you have to wear a sling everywhere to hold it up and there's no sports or anything," said Kyle.
Once Kyle got his cast removed he was put in a splint for several weeks to allow him to build up the muscle in his arm and let his skin recover.
