Buddy tape splint: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 22:06, 22 March 2023

Background

Utilize adjacent digits to stabilize fractured digit and maintain anatomically functional position during healing
Should remain in place until patient can move digit through full range of motion without pain

Indication

Finger sprain, particularly of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.
Stable, non-displaced, minor finger and toe fractures

Procedure

Assess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
Place soft padding such as gauze between digits (optional)
Using tape, secure fractured digit to adjacent digit, preferably at multiple points
Reassess pulse, motor, and sensation

Complications

Skin necrosis
Loss of fixation
Limited joint motion
Infection

References

Authors:

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+==Background==
+*Utilize adjacent digits to stabilize fractured digit and maintain anatomically functional position during healing
+*Should remain in place until patient can move digit through full range of motion without pain
 ==Indication==
 *Finger sprain, particularly of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.
-*Stable, non-displaced minor finger and toe fractures
+*Stable, non-displaced, minor [[Finger (phalanx) fracture|finger]] and [[Toe fracture|toe fractures]]
-==Method==
-Buddy taping is the process of stabilizing an injured finger or toe to an adjacent uninjured digit using tape. Soft padding such as gauze can be used between the two digits but is not always utilized. The healthy digit serves as a splint which largely hold the two digits in an anatomically functional position and allows for healing.
-[[File:Buddy Tape.gif]]
-For minor injuries it is recommended that individuals can return to full activity after an evaluation to rule-out unstable fractures, open injures or or other complications provided that the buddy splint remains in place. More complicated and unstable injures may require rest and a reduction or cessation of activity for 2-6 weeks following injury. It is recommended that the buddy splint remain in place until the patient has a return of full range of motion to the affected digit without pain.
+==Procedure==
+[[File:Tape15.png|thumb]]
+[[File:Buddy-taping-finger.png|thumb]]
+*Assess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
+*Place soft padding such as gauze between digits (optional)
+*Using tape, secure fractured digit to adjacent digit, preferably at multiple points
+*Reassess pulse, motor, and sensation
 ==Complications==
-Complications associated with buddy taping such as necrosis of the skin, infection, loss of fixation, and limited joint motion are not unusual but can largely be prevented by keeping the area clean and dry, replacing soiled dressings and using an adhesive tape that is less irritating to the skin such as paper tape.
+*Skin necrosis
+*Loss of fixation
+*Limited joint motion
+*Infection
 ==See Also==
-[[Splinting]]
+*[[Splinting]]
+*[[Finger splint]]
+*[[Hand and finger fractures]]
+==References==
+<references/>
 [[Category:Orthopedics]]
 [[Category:Procedures]]
+[[Category:Sports Medicine]]