Buddy taping is as effective as casting for boxer's fracture

Reference

Pellat R, Fomin I, Pienaar C, et al. Is buddy taping as effective as plaster immobilization for adults with an uncomplicated neck of fifth metacarpal fracture? A randomized controlled trial. Ann Emerg Med 2019;74:88-97.

Synopsis

The investigators enrolled 126 patients, 85% males (no surprise), average age 26 years (again, no surprise) with a closed fifth metacarpal fracture within 7 days of the event without rotational deformity, tendon injury, or fracture angulation greater than 70 degrees. The patients were randomized, using concealed allocation, to receive cast immobilization in an ulnar gutter cast, or buddy taping (taping the fourth and fifth fingers together at the proximal and middle phalanges, with gauze separating the fingers for comfort). The study, as studies can be, was a little messy: Approximately one-fifth of the patients didn't return for follow-up at 12 weeks, and a similar proportion in each group switched from taping to casting and vice versa. Using intention-to-treat analysis, after 3 months, functional ability—the ability to do everyday tasks, measured by the quickDASH questionnaire—had completely returned in both groups (average score of 0 in both groups on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher scores reflecting higher disability). Pain and quality of life scores also were similar in both groups. Buddy taped–patients missed a median 0 days of work; the patients in casts missed a median of 2 days.