Study Comparing Buddy Taping and Splint for Healing Non-thumb Metacarpal Shaft Fractures Evaluating Hand Function Recovery After Treatment

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate whether buddy taping can treat shaft fractures of the hands long fingers as effectively as a splint. The study focuses on adults with non-thumb metacarpal shaft fractures that have little or no displacement and no rotation disorder. Researchers want to determine if, two months after the fracture, hand activities and arm strength are similar between those treated with buddy taping and those treated with a splint. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving buddy tape, which dynamically splints an injured finger to an adjacent uninjured finger, and the other receiving a short arm splint that immobilizes and stabilizes the injured finger and hand. Both devices will be removed around 30 days after treatment, with follow-up visits scheduled on days 15, 30, 60, and a final visit at day 90, including X-rays to monitor fracture healing. During the study, participants will attend four visits after receiving their assigned treatment to assess hand strength and fracture healing through orthopedic consultations and X-rays. Researchers will measure outcomes such as hand function using the Quick Dash score at day 60 and grip and clamp force at multiple time points. The total participation lasts around three months, with no additional procedures beyond routine care.

Buddy Tape vs. Splint for Metacarpal Shaft Fracture Recovery