The Effect of Kinesio Taping Versus Splint Techniques on Pain and Functional Scores in Children with Hand PIP Joint Sprain

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the continual increase in the number of children engaging in sports today, physicians encounter finger injuries at an increasing frequency. This study sought to investigate the effectiveness of the method of Kinesio taping versus classic finger splint technique on pediatric patients with PIP (proximal interphalangeal) joint sprains of the fingers. Method: This is a retrospective cohort study. Forty-nine pediatric patients with PIP joint sprains were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups, Group 1 being those treated with Kinesio taping and Group 2, those treated with splints. The area around the PIP joint was measured before and after treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS) evaluation: nighttime pain, numbness, pain at rest, and pain during activity were each separately evaluated before and after treatment. Also, flexion was measured at rest and in active motion before and after treatment. Results: The patients' periarticular measurements of the affected joint were statistically significant in both groups after treatment (p < 0.001). In the comparison between the groups, it was found that the group treated with Kinesio taping displayed a better outcome (p < 0.021). According to the VAS for PIP joint pain, it was observed that in both groups, pain at rest, pain during activity, nighttime pain, and numbness were statistically significant after treatment (p < 0.001). In the comparison of the groups, it was seen that the difference was statistically significant only in terms of nighttime pain (p < 0.013). Conclusions: The study conducted supported the literature that Kinesio taping method does not restrict the function of the extremity to which it is applied and also does not produce the complications reported in other treatment techniques. Kinesio taping was found to have a higher patient compliance and the outcomes were better in terms of edema and joint range of motion as well as night time pain when compared to the group treated with splint.