Buddy wrapping
Encyclopedia
Buddy wrapping or buddy taping is the act of bandaging a damaged (particularly a fracture
d) finger or toe together with a healthy one. The bandage 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. This method is also used for sprain
s, 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.
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. 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.
Fracture
A fracture is the separation of an object or material into two, or more, pieces under the action of stress.The word fracture is often applied to bones of living creatures , or to crystals or crystalline materials, such as gemstones or metal...
d) finger or toe together with a healthy one. The bandage is usually stiff, not allowing the digits to move; the healthy digit acts as a splint
Splint (medicine)
A splint is a device used for support or immobilization of limbs or of the spine.It can be used:* By the emergency medical services or by volunteer first responders, to immobilize a fractured limb before the transportation; it is then a temporary immobilization;* By allied health professionals such...
, keeping the damaged one in a natural position for healing. This method is also used for sprain
Sprain
A sprain is an injury in a joint, caused by the ligament being stretched beyond its capacity. A muscular tear caused in the same manner is referred to as a strain. In cases where either ligament or muscle tissue is torn, immobilization and surgical repair may be necessary...
s, dislocations, and other injuries.
This treatment may be performed by a physician or other medical professional in a hospital, orthopedic
Orthopedic cast
An orthopedic cast, body cast or surgical cast, is a shell, frequently made from plaster, encasing a limb to hold a broken bone in place until healing is confirmed...
clinic, or other medical facility. Buddy wrapping may also be used when medical help is not immediately available, for example in the wilderness.
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. 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
Greenstick fracture
A greenstick, buckle or torus fracture is a fracture in a young, soft bone in which the bone bends and partially breaks. A person's bones become harder and more brittle with age. Greenstick fractures usually occur most often during infancy and childhood when bones are soft...
, the buddy wrapping method may also be used.