Influence of Kinesiologic Tape on Post-operative Swelling After Orthognathic Surgery

Abstract

Introduction Orthognathic surgery involves making several osteotomies that lead to varying degrees of post-operative swelling. The use of KT may be beneficial for postoperative treatment after head and neck surgery, accelerating drainage of tissue reaction or haemorrhages. The goal of this study was to find out if the application of KT prevents or improves swelling, pain and trismus after orthognathic surgery, improving patients' postoperative quality of life. Materials and Methods In this double-blinded, randomized, control trial, 24 patients in whom bimaxillary orthognathic surgery was indicated, were included. Before surgery each patient alternatively was randomly included in the study group (treated with K-Taping Ò and corticosteroid) or in the control group (treated with corticosteroid). In the present study a MakerBot Ò Digitizer 3D TM was used to assess accurate volume measurements. All swelling measurements were expressed as total 3-D area of the landmarks (cm 2 ) in T0 pre-operative, T1 fourth day after surgery. Results The differences T0-T1 are highly significant (p \ 0.01) between group 1 or study group (treated with K-taping Ò ) and group 2 (control group). Discussion The use of KT appears promising, because it is simple to carry out, less traumatic, economical, can be performed everywhere in the world, free from side effects on the body. Even when swelling persists, KT gives patients the impression of a minor swelling detracting them from their pain and morbidity. Further studies have to be performed to find out if KT can reduce or replace the need for additional medications such as the use of steroids.

Kinesiotaping for postoperative oedema – what is the evidence? A systematic review

“…The only distinct exception is the study by Windisch et al [11]. Four studies provide rather clear statistical evidence for an advantage of kinesiotaping: the study of Tozzi et al [21] considering a single outcome, and the studies by Ristow et al [16,19,20] which indicate an increasing difference over time, reaching significance at day 2 the latest. Also in the study by Donec et al [22], we can recognize significant differences concerning three of the four outcomes at several follow-up time points, in the study of Gülenc [17] for two of four outcomes at several time points, and in the study of Balki et al [14] for two outcomes on day 10.…”

“…Ristow et al [16,19,20] describe a standardized postoperative regimen with non-steroidal antiphlogistic medication as analgesic medication with influence though on inflammation and swelling, as well as and application of cooling measures. Tozzi et al [21] used the application of perioperative dexamethasone and cooling as antiphlogistic treatment. Analgesic treatment is not reported by Tozzi et al [21], seems (See figure on previous page.)…”

“…Tozzi et al [21] used the application of perioperative dexamethasone and cooling as antiphlogistic treatment. Analgesic treatment is not reported by Tozzi et al [21], seems (See figure on previous page.) Fig.…”

“…For the study by Windisch et al [11] we use the score from a "Principal Component Analysis2 based on eight different circumferences and omitted the eight single outcomes. For the maxillo-facial evaluaions, the three studies by Ristow et al [16,19,20] use the sum of five predefined line lengths in the face, the study of Tozzi et al [21] a volume based on a MakerBot® Digitizer 3DTM in cm 3 .95% confidence intervals (red lines) are shown when sufficient information was provided in the studies. They are truncated at − 5 or 5, as indicated by arrows.…”

“…The study by Bialoszewski et al [12] is affected by an even higher risk since patients were not randomized primarily but only if they developed oedema during treatment. Chan et al [21] recruited patients with and without meniscal surgery which might be medically reasonable but is methodologically disputable. Windisch et al [11] performed no randomization but used a historical control.…”