Indications Completion of the period of immobilization Numbness, tingling, increasing pain, or any other sensation indicating the cast is too tight Foreign body lodged between the skin and the cast Cast damage or wetness Concern about infection under the cast Contraindications A date that is before the prescribed period of immobilization Complications Injury to underlying skin (eg, abrasions, friction burn) Equipment There are several different tools that can be used to remove a cast: Vibrating cast saw Cast spreader Blunt-tipped shears Vibrating cast saws look like they could easily lacerate the skin, but they are quite safe.