Kinesio Taping for Finger Injuries (KT Hand)

Onur Gültekin

Status: Completed

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

Treatments: Device: Kinesio Taping; Procedure: Buddy Taping; Device: Splinting

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06988137

FSMEAH-2022-78-KT

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

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.

Enrollment: 175 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 5 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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175 participants in 3 patient groups

Kinesio Taping Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants received Kinesio taping using the ligament correction technique with 75-100% elasticity. Immediate active motion was encouraged without immobilization.

Treatment:

Device: Kinesio Taping

Buddy Taping

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants received buddy taping with adjacent finger stabilization and interdigital padding. Mobilization was allowed after 2 weeks.

Treatment:

Procedure: Buddy Taping

Splinting Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants were treated with a static volar splint immobilizing the PIP and DIP joints at 20° flexion.

Treatment:

Device: Splinting