Inexpensive alternatives for extremity cast and bandage protection.

Cast and bandage protector bags that are available commercially are often used by patients to keep their splints dry while in the shower. Garbage bags are considered a less expensive, but cumbersome alternative to these commercially available bags. We report a case of a 22-year-old man who has discovered that newspaper bags serve as easy to use covers for casts and bandages that are essentially free. Inexpensive alternatives to commercially available cast and bandage protector bags such as newspaper bags, disposable umbrella bags, and bread bags should be discussed with patients to foster compliance in keeping their devices dry.