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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06988137

Kinesio Taping for Finger Injuries

This study is a prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of three conservative treatment approaches-Kinesio taping (KT), buddy taping (BT), and static splinting-for managing finger ligament injuries and non-displaced fractures. A total of 175 patients between the ages of 5 and 60 were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups and monitored over a 3-month period. The study aims to assess outcomes including range of motion (ROM), grip strength, pain levels, and functional recovery using the QuickDASH questionnaire.

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Key information

Conditions

Finger Fracture Finger Sprain Ligament Injury of the Finger Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) Joint Injury

Age range

5 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital

Istanbul, 34752, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Finger ligament injuries and non-displaced fractures are common conditions encountered in both pediatric and adult orthopedic populations. Conservative treatment options such as buddy taping and splinting are commonly employed in clinical practice, although each method may affect mobility and patient comfort differently.

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate three conservative treatment modalities-Kinesio taping (KT), buddy taping (BT), and static volar splinting-in patients aged 5 to 60 years. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups and evaluated at three time points: Day 3, Week 3, and Month 3.

The primary outcome measure was the range of motion of the injured finger. Secondary outcomes included grip strength, pain scores, QuickDASH assessments, and incidence of skin-related complications. Outcome evaluations were performed by an independent orthopedic surgeon who was blinded to group assignment.

Patients were stratified into pediatric and adult subgroups to assess age-related differences in treatment response. The study followed a parallel assignment design and employed single-blind outcome assessment.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age between 5 and 60 years
  • Presentation within 5 days of injury
  • Acute finger ligament sprain or non-displaced finger fracture (PIP or phalangeal)
  • Ability to provide informed consent (or parental consent for minors)
  • Availability for 3-month follow-up

Exclusion criteria

  • Open fractures
  • Polytrauma or systemic injury
  • Delayed presentation (>5 days post-injury)
  • Need for surgical fixation
  • Previous injury or deformity in the same finger
  • Neurological or rheumatologic disorders affecting hand function

Treatment and study plan

Kinesio taping

Device

Elastic therapeutic tape was applied using the ligament correction technique. The tape was reapplied at Day 3 and Day 21 under supervision

Buddy Taping

Procedure

Buddy taping involved strapping the injured finger to an adjacent digit using medical tape. Early motion was restricted.

Splinting

Device

A custom-molded thermoplastic splint was applied to restrict joint movement and maintain alignment. Patients remained immobilized until Week 3.

Primary outcomes

  1. Range of Motion (ROM) in Injured Finger

    Time frame: Week 3 and Month 3

    Flexion and extension angles of the injured finger joints measured using a digital goniometer. Results expressed in degrees. Higher values indicate better mobility.

Secondary outcomes

  1. QuickDASH Disability Score

    Time frame: Week 3 and Month 3

    Functional status of the upper limb evaluated using the QuickDASH questionnaire. Scores range from 0 (no disability) to 100 (maximum disability). Lower scores indicate better function.

  2. Grip Strength Recovery

    Time frame: Month 3

    Hand grip strength of the injured side measured using a dynamometer, expressed as a percentage of the unaffected side. Higher percentages indicate better recovery.

  3. Incidence of Skin Complications

    Time frame: Up to Month 3

    Occurrence of skin maceration, irritation, or pressure sores recorded during follow-up visits.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Onur Gültekin

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Evaluation of Kinesio Taping, Buddy Taping, and Splinting in Finger Injuries: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: KT Hand

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
May 23, 2025
Registry last updated
May 23, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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