# Buddy Taping Fingers & Toes

## Overview

This module describes how to buddy tape an injured digit, providing stability and support while maintaining limited mobility.

## Indications

1. Finger/toe sprains
2. Stable post reduction finger PIP joint or toe dislocations
3. Nondisplaced, stable fractures of the proximal or middle phalanx

## Contraindications

1. Unstable or displaced fractures
2. Dislocations that are unstable following reduction
3. Tendon injuries
4. Open fractures/dislocations
5. Consider the risks and benefits in patients with open wounds requiring wound care

## Patient information and consent

Always verify your patient’s identity and obtain informed consent before proceeding.

### How do I explain this procedure?

“Your finger/toe will heal better if taped to the one beside it for stability.”

### What can my patient expect?

“I’m going to use some gauze to pad between the fingers/toes, then I will tape them together. This will not be painful.”

### What is my patient’s role?

“Tell me if you have any

allergies

allergies

Adhesive plasters may cause dermatitis in allergic individuals; if so, use non-adhesive bandages.

. Try to keep this clean and dry. Change the gauze and tape when it becomes loose, dirty or wet.”

## Preparation

###

### Documentation

1. Patient notes

### Equipment

## Site & Positioning

Position the patient with the injured digit in easy reach.

## Procedure

Follow medical asepsis without gloves.

1. Perform hand hygiene.
2. Pre-cut strips of tape to appropriate length.
3. Use gauze to create a pad between the fingers.
4. For fingers, tape the proximal phalanges together, and the middle phalanges, but leave the joints free.
5. For toes, tape them together near the base.
6. Check the sensation and capillary refill distally.
7. Record completion of the procedure in patient notes.

## Troubleshooting

The joint or fracture still appears deviated after taping.

Reconsider whether buddy strapping is the most appropriate form of treatment. If the injured digit is the middle or ring finger or an inner toe, changing the support digit may correct the deviation, such as taping an injured middle finger to the index finger rather than the ring finger.

The patient has returned with skin breakdown between the digits or mottled digits.

This happens when the taping is too tight, or when you are using too much gauze between the digits. Replace with looser taping, or less gauze.

I don’t have fine gauze available.

If no gauze is available, digits can be buddy taped without gauze.

## Risks

1. Skin breakdown between the digits
2. Distal ischaemia due to tight taping
3. Worsening of deformity due to strapping an unstable fracture/joint
4. Allergy to strapping material

## References

1. Lewis M. How To Buddy-Tape Fingers. In: MSD Manual. 2021. Available from: https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/how-to-splint-or-immobilize-an-upper-limb/how-to-buddy-tape-fingers
2. McCue JY. How to Buddy-Tape Toes. In: MSD Manual. 2021. Available from: https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/how-to-splint-or-immobilize-a-lower-limb/how-to-buddy-tape-toes