Kinesio Taping for Finger Injuries

Not Applicable

Completed

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

• Registration Number: NCT06988137
• Lead Sponsor: Onur Gültekin

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed 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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-03-01
• Primary Completion: 2024-06-01
• Study Completion: 2024-10-15
• Status Verified: 2025-05
• Study First Submitted: 2025-05-14
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-05-21
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-05-21
• Study First Posted: 2025-05-23
• Last Update Posted: 2025-05-23

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 175

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Range of Motion (ROM) in Injured Finger	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 Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Grip Strength Recovery	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.
Incidence of Skin Complications	Up to Month 3	Occurrence of skin maceration, irritation, or pressure sores recorded during follow-up visits.
QuickDASH Disability Score	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.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital; 🇹🇷 Istanbul, Turkey