How To Apply a Short Arm Cast By James Y McCue, MD, University of California San Francisco - Fresno Reviewed / Revised Jun 2021 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Indications Contraindications Complications Equipment Positioning Step-by-Step Description of Procedure Aftercare Warnings and Common Errors Tips and Tricks Topic Resources How To Do a Short Arm Cast A short arm cast extends from the distal palmar crease to the proximal third of the forearm and is intended to immobilize the wrist and distal forearm.