Plaster of Paris and Hexelite, a new thermoplastic bandage, were compared in the treatment of 183 patients with malleolar fractures, Colles' fractures or distortions of the finger joints. There were no statistically significant differences between the two types of bandages taking into account the strength of the bandage, the amount of skin damage and the patient's opinion of the bandage. Hexelite is seven times more expensive than plaster of Paris, and, in addition, is more difficult to handle. Hence its use has been discontinued.