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

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.

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(®) and corticosteroid) or in the control group (treated with corticosteroid). In the present study a MakerBot(®) Digitizer 3D™ 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.

The differences T0-T1 are highly significant (p < 0.01) between group 1 or study group (treated with K-taping(®)) and group 2 (control group).

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.