Buddy taping versus splint immobilization for paediatric finger fractures: a randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of this single-centre randomized controlled trial was to assess the non-inferiority of buddy taping versus splint immobilization of extra-articular paediatric finger fractures. Secondary fracture displacement was the primary outcome; patient comfort, cost and range of finger motion were secondary outcomes. Ninety-nine children were randomly assigned to taping or splinting. Sixty-nine fractures were undisplaced; 31 were displaced and required reduction before taping or splinting. Secondary displacement occurred in one patient in the taping and three in the splinting group. The risk difference was below the predefined non-inferiority level of 5%. All secondary displacements occurred in the 31 displaced fractures after reduction and were in little fingers. Patient comfort was significantly higher and cost lower in the taping group. We conclude from this study the non-inferiority of buddy taping versus splint immobilization of extra-articular paediatric finger fractures in general. We advise treatment may need to be individualized for patients with displaced fractures because we cannot make any absolute conclusions for these fractures. Level of evidence: I.

What is the effect of treating secondary lymphedema after breast cancer with complete decongestive physiotherapy when the bandage is replaced with Kinesio Textape? - A pilot study.

PURPOSE: Secondary lymphedema (SL) following breast cancer is a well-known complication following surgery or radiation. SL may result in loss of functional ability, cosmetic deformities, physical discomfort, recurrent episodes of erysipelas, and psychological distress. There is no evidence as to what is the most effective treatment for SL. METHODS: This randomized controlled pilot study included 10 patients treated for SL following breast cancer. The patients were included and screened for SL by a physiotherapist. They were randomized to treatment with CDP with Kinesio Textape or bandage for 4 weeks. Endpoints were quality of life, circumference of the arm, costs, and working environment for the physiotherapist. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable according to baseline data. Outcomes on quality of life, costs, and working environment for the physiotherapist; the treatment with CDP with tape was superior to the CDP with bandage treatment. In regard to reducing the circumference there was no difference. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized controlled pilot study shows that CDP with tape can be an alternative to CDP with bandage. The quality of life is higher, the economy and working environment is better, and the effect measured by circumference is comparable. More RCTs are required to increase the evidence for CDP with tape. IMPLICATIONS: Treating lymphedema with CDP with tape after breast cancer is a good alternative to CDP with bandage and makes it possible to treat more patients with less resources.

Taping patients with clinical signs of subacromial impingement syndrome: the design of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder problems are a common complaint of the musculoskeletal system. Physical therapists treat these patients with different modalities such as exercise, massage, and shoulder taping. Although different techniques have been described, the effectiveness of taping has not yet been established. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of usual physical therapy care in combination with a particular tape technique for subacromial impingement syndrome of the shoulder compared to usual physical therapy care without this tape technique in a primary healthcare setting. METHODS AND DESIGN: An economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial will be conducted. A sample of 140 patients between 18 and 65 years of age with a diagnosis of subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) as assessed by physical therapists will be recruited. Eligible patients will be randomized to either the intervention group (usual care in combination with the particular tape technique) or the control group (usual care without this tape technique). In both groups, usual care will consist of individualized physical therapy care. The primary outcomes will be shoulder-specific function (the Simple Shoulder Test) and pain severity (11-point numerical rating scale). The economic evaluation will be performed using a societal perspective. All relevant costs will be registered using cost diaries. Utilities (Quality Adjusted Life Years) will be measured using the EuroQol. The data will be collected at baseline, and 4, 12, and 26 weeks follow-up. DISCUSSION: This pragmatic study will provide information about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of taping in patients presenting with clinical signs of SAIS. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NTR2575.