Beyond the splint: efficacy and safety of kinesio taping for non-operative management of finger injuries
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, cilt.26, sa.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 26 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s12891-025-09044-6
- Dergi Adı: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Buddy taping, Finger splint, Grip strength, Kinesiotaping, Finger injuries
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: This prospective comparative study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of kinesio-taping (KT), buddy taping (BT), and conventional splinting in managing finger joint sprains and fractures across pediatric and adult populations, with a focus on functional recovery and patient-centered outcomes. Materials and methods: A total of 175 patients were randomized into three treatment arms: KT (Group 1, n = 62), BT (Group 2, n = 52), and splinting (Group 3, n = 61). Participants were stratified into pediatric (5–18 years) and adult (18–60 years) subgroups. Clinical outcomes—including range of motion (ROM), grip strength, and QuickDASH (QD) scores—were assessed by an independent orthopedic surgeon at 3-week and 3-month follow-ups. Results: Baseline demographics (age, sex, injury laterality, and hand dominance) were comparable across groups (p > 0.05). Group 1 demonstrated statistically superior outcomes, with significantly greater ROM(p < 0.001), lower QD scores (p < 0.001), and higher grip strength (p < 0.001) relative to splinting. Group 2 exhibited intermediate efficacy, outperforming splinting but remaining inferior to Group 1 (p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent therapeutic advantages for KT in both pediatric and adult cohorts (p < 0.001). Discussion: KT emerged as the most effective modality, offering enhanced patient comfort, superior pain management, and accelerated functional recovery in finger ligament injuries and fractures. Its capacity to facilitate early mobilization without compromising stability positions it as a preferable alternative to conventional splinting methods in diverse age groups.