OPED VACOcast Fracture Walking Boot

The OPED VACOcast is a tall, fixed-angle fracture walking boot used for clinician-directed immobilization of the foot, ankle and lower leg. It combines a rigid four-strap shell, vacuum-bead insert, washable cloth liner and detachable rocker sole.

VACOcast may be prescribed for ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, calcaneal fractures, selected foot or lower-leg fractures, severe sprains, complex ligament injuries, arthrodesis and selected post-operative foot or ankle conditions.

VACOcast is a type of medical walking boot or fracture orthosis and may be described as a CAM-style boot. However, unlike boots with adjustable ankle motion, VACOcast holds the ankle at a fixed 90° position.

OPED describes VACOcast as a cast-stable orthosis that may be used through different treatment stages. Only the treating physician or surgeon can determine whether it is an appropriate alternative to a traditional cast for a particular injury.

VACOcast holds the ankle at a fixed 90° position and does not include an Achilles wedge sole or adjustable range of motion. Achilles rupture protocols often require plantar-flexion positioning and progressive angle changes, making the VACOped XELGO the more specialized OPED option. Follow the treating clinician’s prescription.

VACOcast is a fixed 90° fracture boot with a vacuum-bead insert and hand pump. VACOped XELGO can be configured in a fixed position or through a controlled range of motion and uses a pump-free adaptive liner. VACOped XELGO also includes an Achilles wedge sole.

The insert contains thousands of small beads. When air is removed with the supplied pump, the beads settle around the foot, ankle and lower leg and become firm. This creates an individualized supportive contour without relying on inflatable air chambers.

No. It does not use inflatable air cells. VACOcast removes air from a bead-filled cushion so the insert becomes firm around the individual shape of the limb.

Yes. The vacuum can be released so the beads become flexible and can be redistributed before the insert is remoulded. Significant changes in swelling, pain or fit should be discussed with the treating healthcare professional.

No. VACOcast holds the ankle at a fixed 90° position. It does not have the adjustable range-of-motion mechanism found on the VACOped XELGO.

Yes. VACOcast has a universal design and can be worn on the left or right foot.

VACOcast is available in Small, Medium and Large. Small fits approximately men’s US 3.5–7.5 and women’s 4.5–8.5. Medium fits men’s 7.5–11.5 and women’s 8.5–12.5. Large fits men’s 11.5–15 and women’s 12.5–16.

OPED generally recommends considering the smaller size when a shoe size falls directly on a size boundary. Foot width, ankle circumference and calf circumference must also be considered, so contact The Physio Store before ordering if your measurements are close to a boundary.

The Large fits a calf circumference of approximately 15–23 inches, while Medium fits approximately 13.5–20 inches. OPED offers additional liner extensions and longer straps for some users. Contact The Physio Store to confirm compatibility before ordering these accessories.

Each VACOcast includes the rigid orthosis, one vacuum-relief insert, one hand pump, one removable cloth liner and one detachable rocker walking sole.

No. The current standard kit includes one cloth liner. A same-size replacement liner can be purchased separately and is useful while the original liner is being washed or air-dried.

Yes. Remove the vacuum insert before washing the cloth liner. The liner may be hand washed or machine washed in cold water using mild detergent. Air-dry it completely and do not use a tumble dryer.

Wipe the shell and sole with a damp cloth and mild soapy water. Dry all components completely before reassembling and wearing the boot.

OPED states that the shell and vacuum components can be used in water, but swimming requires prior approval from the treating surgeon or healthcare professional. Do not expose an open wound or incision to water. Bring a dry replacement liner and change into it immediately after leaving the water.

Approval to use VACOcast in a pool does not automatically make standing in a shower safe. Wet surfaces increase the risk of falling, and wounds may need to stay dry. Follow the treating professional’s instructions and use an appropriate shower cover or seated bathing method when recommended.

Only if weight bearing has been approved by the treating healthcare professional. Depending on the injury and healing stage, the patient may be non-weight-bearing, partially weight-bearing or fully weight-bearing.

That depends on the prescribed weight-bearing status, balance and walking ability. A physician, physiotherapist or other treating professional should determine whether crutches or another mobility aid is required.

Wear during sleep depends on the injury, surgery and treatment protocol. Do not remove the boot at night unless the treating healthcare professional has said it is safe to do so.

Do not drive unless the treating healthcare professional has confirmed that it is safe and you can operate the vehicle normally. Driving with a right-sided immobilization boot is particularly concerning and may affect insurance coverage or legal responsibility.

The wearing period depends on the diagnosis, healing progress and treatment plan. Only the treating physician, surgeon or rehabilitation professional can determine when the boot may be reduced or discontinued.

No. VACOcast is an immobilization and protected-walking orthosis. It is not designed for running, jumping, fast walking or sporting stresses.

A tall walking boot raises the injured side and may create a temporary leg-length difference. An EVENup worn over the regular shoe on the opposite foot may help improve symmetry and reduce strain on the hips, knees or lower back when approved by the treating professional.

Yes. Replacement cloth liners, vacuum inserts and selected straps or accessories are available. Match replacement parts to the size and model of the existing boot and contact The Physio Store if compatibility is uncertain.

The standard VACOcast fracture boot should not be substituted for the specialized VACOcast Diabetic model. Diabetic wounds and reduced sensation require professional assessment, pressure management and frequent skin monitoring.

Stop weight bearing and contact the treating healthcare professional if you experience numbness, altered sensation, discolouration, increasing pain, skin breakdown, unusual swelling or a persistent pressure point.

A prescription is not normally required simply to purchase the boot. However, professional assessment is strongly recommended, and a valid prescription may be required for insurance reimbursement or applicable tax-exempt processing.

An orthopaedic device may qualify for tax-exempt processing when the applicable Canadian requirements are met, which may include a valid prescription. Upload the prescription using the product-page form so The Physio Store can review the documentation before processing the order.