Which cast is used for fracture of the shaft of the humerus with callus formation?

• A. Functional Cast
• B. Abduction Splint/Airplane Cast
• C. Sugar Tong
• D. Long Arm Posterior Mold

Answer: (A)

The main idea is using immobilization that protects the healing bone while allowing joint movement to prevent stiffness. When a humeral shaft fracture has formed callus, enough stability has developed to permit controlled motion without sacrificing fracture alignment. A functional cast is designed for this stage: it supports the arm and keeps the fracture in position, but is built to let the elbow and shoulder move within safe limits. That combination helps maintain range of motion and reduces stiffness as healing continues, making it the best choice once callus is present.

Other options don’t fit as well in this stage. An abduction splint or airplane cast mainly keeps the arm in an abducted position to address certain shoulder problems, not to balance stability with mobility for a midshaft fracture. A sugar tong is a forearm-focused immobilization, not suitable for a humeral shaft injury. A long arm posterior mold provides more rigid, full immobilization of the arm, which can lead to stiffness if used during healing when some motion is already feasible.