Beyond the splint: efficacy and safety of kinesio taping for non-operative management of finger injuries.

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.