Comparative Evaluation of Use of Kinesiologic Tape and Active Drain in Post-operative Swelling After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandibular Body/Parasymphysis Fractures: A Clinical Study

In maxillofacial surgery, open reduction and internal fixation has been a standard therapy for mandibular fractures. This surgical technique is frequently accompanied with discomfort, edema and postoperative morbidity, which have detrimental impact on patient's quality of life. Therefore, such patients required additional methods for better management of discomfort and edema. Goal of this study was to compare how Kinesiology Tape performed following open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular unilateral isolated body/parasymphysis factures compared to an active drain in terms of postoperative edema.

To address the research purpose, investigators designed and implemented parallel-group, randomized clinical trial. Patients were prospectively assigned for treatment of mandibular body/parasymphysis fractures and randomly allocated to receive treatment with drain no.10 placement or Kinesiology Tape application. Both drain and Kinesiology Tape were applied directly after surgery and maintained for three days postoperatively. Facial swelling was quantified using a 5-line measurement at six specific time points.

Study included 26 patients (12 female and 14 male; mean age, 32 years). Application of Kinesiology Tape after surgery for mandibular fracture had a statistically significant influence on tissue reaction resulting in decreasing incidence of swelling.

The use of Kinesiology Tape seems encouraging, since it is easy to execute, least traumatic, noninvasive, affordable, adaptable across the world, and has no negative effects on body, thus improving patients’ quality of life.

Clinical Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2023/03/050691.