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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2025 Aug 8;26(1):767.
doi: 10.1186/s12891-025-09044-6.

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

Bekir Eray Kilinc  1 , Halil Ibrahim Arikan  2 , Onur Gultekin  2 , Ali Varol  2 , Bugra Ondur  2 , Yunus Oc  3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

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

Bekir Eray Kilinc et al. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Buddy taping; Finger injuries; Finger splint; Grip strength; Kinesiotaping.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: IRB was subsequently obtained (decision number: Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital numbered FSMEAH-KAEK 2022/78). Informed consent was obtained from patients and their guardians. This prospective cohort study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Kinesiotaping technique applied for the distal phalanx region
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Kinesiotaping technique applied for the midphalanx region
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Kinesiotaping technique applied for the proximal phalanx region
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Comparison of ROM values in adult patients according to the groups
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Comparison of QD scores in adult patients according to the groups
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Comparison of rom values among the groups in pediatric patients
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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