Buddy taping after reduction of displaced extra-articular phalangeal finger fractures in children: a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatric orthopedics
• Traumatology

Background:

• Displaced extra-articular proximal and middle phalangeal finger fractures are common in children.
• Current treatment often involves splinting, which can impact patient comfort.
• Buddy taping has been previously recommended for undisplaced fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the non-inferiority of buddy taping compared to splinting for displaced phalangeal finger fractures in children.
• To evaluate secondary fracture displacement, patient comfort, analgesic efficacy, and range of motion.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial involving 81 pediatric patients.
• Participants were randomized to either buddy taping (43 patients) or splinting (38 patients) after fracture reduction.
• Primary outcome: rate of secondary fracture displacements. Secondary outcomes: comfort, pain relief, and motion.

Main Results:

• Secondary displacement occurred in 3/43 patients (taping group) and 5/38 patients (splinting group).
• The risk difference for secondary displacement was below the non-inferiority margin of 10%.
• Patient comfort was significantly higher in the buddy taping group; no significant differences in pain relief or motion were observed.

Conclusions:

• Buddy taping is a non-inferior alternative to splinting for displaced phalangeal finger fractures in children.
• Buddy taping offers enhanced patient comfort, potentially lower costs, and reduced application time.
• The study recommends buddy taping for all pediatric phalangeal finger fractures, regardless of displacement or need for reduction.