Comparing buddy taping to a short arm splint for healing non-thumb metacarpal shaft fractures
Official title: Functional Treatment of Non-thumb Metacarpal Shaft Fractures. Randomized Study Evaluating Buddy Taping Versus Splint on Functional Recovery of the Hand
Run by Centre Hospitalier Sud Francilien · NCT06734364 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will see if buddy taping helps adults with non-thumb metacarpal shaft fractures regain hand strength and function as well as a short arm splint over two months.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Sud Francilien Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Corbeil-Essonnes) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 5, 2028 |
| Study ends | February 5, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06734364 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are consenting adults with a 2nd–5th metacarpal shaft fracture that is minimally displaced (tilt ≤30°) with no rotational deformity, who can attend in-person follow-up visits.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients requiring surgical fixation, those with significant displacement or rotation, pregnant patients, people who cannot understand French, or those under guardianship are unlikely to benefit from this comparison.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults who present to the emergency department with an X-ray–confirmed non-thumb metacarpal shaft fracture and meet eligibility criteria are randomized to receive either buddy tape or a short arm splint. Participants have routine clinical visits with X-rays on about day 15, day 30 (when the device is removed), and day 60, and a final visit around day 90 to monitor healing and hand strength. The main outcome compares hand activity and arm strength at two months between the two groups. No additional procedures beyond standard care are performed for study purposes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with stable metacarpal shaft fractures could use the simpler buddy taping and achieve similar hand strength and function while avoiding more cumbersome splinting.
How similar studies have gone: Previous smaller trials and observational studies of stable metacarpal fractures have often found buddy taping yields comparable short-term function to splinting, though results are not uniformly conclusive.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adult patient 2. Fingers 2 to 5 metacarpal shaft fracture, little or no displacement 3. Tilt less than or equal to thirty degrees 4. No rotation disorder 5. Patient who has given consent to participate in the study and has signed an informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Surgical treatment indicated 2. Patient pregnant or likely to be pregnant 3. Patient who does not speak or understand French 4. Subject under guardianship or curatorship 5. Subject not beneficiary of a social security system.
Where it's running
-
Centre Hospitalier Sud Francilien
Corbeil-Essonnes, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Adnan FOUFA, MD
- Email: adnan.foufa@chsf.fr
- Phone: 33 1 61 69 55 10
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.