Buddy tape splint

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

See Also

• Splinting
• Hand and finger fractures