When you are seen in plaster theatre for TLSO (Thoraco Lumbar Sacral Orthosis) casting it is likely that we will use a log rolling technique to take the mould of your torso. The following pictures will show you what to expect at your appointment. We will require you to sign a consent form prior to carrying out this procedure.
1. We will ask you to lie on one of our beds. We have hoists available to assist if you 
are unable to do this yourself. We will ask you to put on a body stocking and assist as required. This protects the skin and helps to keep any mess caused by Plaster of Paris to a minimum.
2. When on the bed we will help to turn you on your side and place
sliding sheets underneath you. These will aid the staff in moving you safely in the bed. Once these are in place we will take a plaster cast of the front of your torso, in some cases we may take the plaster cast of your back first.
3. At this stage we need to roll you onto your front so we can take a plaster cast of your back. To do this we need to carry out a log roll. At this point it is important that your arms are straight and placed tightly against your body or raised above your head. This is to avoid any injury to your arms if they were to get caught underneath your body. If you are unable to position your arms in this position then you are at risk of injury during this procedure.
If you have any underlying conditions which may cause a weakness in your bones or shoulder instability please tell a member of staff.
Using the sliding sheets the staff will move you to one side of the bed. From here you will be log rolled onto your front. Depending on your height and weight we may use two beds to carry out this procedure, for smaller adults and children one bed is sufficient. Sometimes it is
necessary to put pillows under your hips and feet if your joints are stiff.
Once the log roll is completed the plaster cast will be taken by the Orthotist and plaster theatre team. This whole process normally takes about 15 minutes.
4. Following this, the back section of the plaster cast will be removed, any plaster on your back will be washed away and the log roll procedure will be repeated. The front section of the cast will then be removed and any plaster washed from your body.
5. The casting is now complete, you will get dressed and in about 4-6wks you will return to the Orthotics Department to have your TLSO fitted.
© RNOH
Date of last review: May 2026
Date of next review: May 2028
Author: Chloe Nixon, Senior Orthotist
Page last updated: 19 May 2026