Medicine:Buddy wrapping
| Buddy wrapping | |
|---|---|
 Buddy taping |
Buddy wrapping, also called neighbour strapping[1] or buddy taping, is the act of bandaging a damaged or particularly a fractured finger or toe together with a healthy, uninjured one. The bandage or medical tape is usually stiff, not allowing the digits to move; the healthy digit acts as a splint, keeping the damaged one in a natural position for healing. Rest plays a major role in the healing process. Buddy wrapping may also be used for sprains, dislocations, and other injuries.
This treatment may be performed by a physician or other medical professional in a hospital, orthopedic clinic, or other medical facility. Buddy wrapping may also be used when medical help is not immediately available, for example in the wilderness. Buddy wrapping can be a temporary solution or it can be used as a treatment all by itself.
A layer of absorbent cotton or gauze is placed between the digits to prevent the breakdown of the skin with resultant ulcers and/or infection.[2] The bandage is applied loosely, in several non-encircling layers. This avoids cutting off the blood flow to the digit that a too-tight wrap can precipitate. If the damaged part is only partly fractured, e.g., a greenstick fracture, the buddy wrapping method may also be used.[3]
Fractures of the smaller toes are commonly treated by buddy taping.[4] Padding is used between the toes to keep the space dry[5] and the toes aligned comfortably. If the toes are less comfortable when buddy-taped, the buddy tape should be removed.[6]
See also
- Elastic therapeutic tape
- Elastic bandage
- Self-adhering bandage
- Athletic taping
References
- ↑ Darwood, Mary; Holt, Lynda (2008). Dolan, Brian. ed (in en). Accident & Emergency: Theory Into Practice. Elsevier. pp. 100. ISBN 978-0-7020-2684-3. https://books.google.com/books?id=3-tFcv9kPAkC&pg=PA100.
- ↑ "How To Buddy-Tape Fingers - Injuries; Poisoning" (in en-US). https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/how-to-splint-or-immobilize-an-upper-limb/how-to-buddy-tape-fingers.
- ↑ "What is Buddy Wrapping? | Bone and Spine". 6 August 2013. http://boneandspine.com/what-is-buddy-wrapping/.
- ↑ Bica, David; Sprouse, Ryan A.; Armen, Joseph (2016-02-01). "Diagnosis and Management of Common Foot Fractures". American Family Physician 93 (3): 183–191. ISSN 0002-838X. PMID 26926612. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0201/p183.html.
- ↑ "Broken toe - self-care: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia" (in en). US National Library of Medicine. 2020-03-28. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000520.htm.
- ↑ "Broken Toe" (in en). https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/aa4924spec.
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