Kinesio Taping vs Rigid Compression Taping Following Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery

Overview

Postoperative facial swelling and pain are common complications following corrective jaw surgery (bimaxillary orthognathic surgery). This randomized controlled trial aimed to determine whether elastic therapeutic taping (Kinesio taping) applied using a mechanical correction technique is more effective than standard rigid compression taping in reducing acute postoperative pain and facial swelling. The study also evaluated changes in oral health-related quality of life. A total of 36 adult patients undergoing elective bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were randomly assigned into two equal groups (18 participants per group): Kinesio Taping Group: Participants received bilateral elastic Kinesio taping applied with a mechanical correction technique. Rigid Compression Taping Group: Participants received bilateral rigid compression taping over the surgical facial area. Both taping applications were initiated immediately following surgery and maintained for 7 days, with tape replacement on the third postoperative day. All participants received identical standardized postoperative medication and cryotherapy protocols. Pain intensity was measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) across 7 days, facial swelling was assessed through bilateral landmark tape measurements across 7 days, and quality of life was evaluated using the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) through 3 weeks post-surgery.

This prospective, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted at Ankara University Faculty of Dentistry following ethical approval from Gazi University. Participants scheduled for elective bimaxillary orthognathic surgery-consisting of Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) of the mandible-were allocated in a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated simple randomization sequence. Standardized Perioperative Care: All participants underwent standardized bimaxillary surgery under general anesthesia. Postoperatively, all patients received a uniform medication regimen including amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (or alternative if allergic), chlorhexidine mouthwash, routine paracetamol, weight-based methylprednisolone tapering, rescue analgesia (dexketoprofen trometamol as needed), a decongestant preparation, and gastric protection. In addition, standardized intermittent bilateral cryotherapy (5 minutes on, 5 minutes off) was administered during the first 24 hours. Intervention Protocols: Kinesio Taping Group: 5-cm wide Kinesio tape was applied bilaterally over the postoperative facial region using the mechanical correction technique with 75%-100% tension in the correction zone and no tension at the anchors. Rigid Compression Taping Group: Bilateral non-elastic rigid tape was applied firmly over the postoperative facial area to provide mechanical compression without neurovascular or airway restriction. Both interventions were applied immediately post-surgery by a trained physiotherapist, renewed on postoperative day 3, and removed on day 7. Assessments and Follow-up: Pain: Assessed via a 100-mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at postoperative hours 6, 12, 24 (day 1), and days 2, 3, and 7. Cumulative early pain (hours 6-24) and total pain scores were also analyzed. Facial Edema: Quantified using bilateral flexible plastic tape measurements across seven standardized anatomical facial distances (tragus-labial commissure, tragus-pogonion, tragus-lateral canthus, gonion-lateral canthus, gonion-nasion, gonion-pogonion, and tragus-nasal alar crest) measured preoperatively, immediately post-surgery, and on postoperative days 2, 5, and 7. Quality of Life: Measured using the 22-item Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) administered preoperatively and at postoperative weeks 1 and 3.