496 Treatment of Lagophthalmos Using Kinesiology Tape in Burn Patients: A Case Study

Abstract

There is minimal published data on scar management of grafted facial areas; specifically at the ocular area for lagophthalmos. Current evidence supports early compression, facial exercises, and splinting. There is no existing literature on the use of kinesiology tape (KT) for lagophthalmos in burn patients. KT is primarily used to provide support and stability to muscles and joints and to aid in circulation. Some studies have shown a benefit to using KT for scar management to break up collagen formations. Nevertheless, there is limited research supporting scar management in the facial region to improve function. The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of using KT to promote ocular closure after full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG). This case study involves a 26 year-old female who sustained a 71% total body surface area (TBSA) burn involving her face, neck, extremities, trunk and back, the majority of which were full thickness (3rd degree). The patient had full and split thickness skin grafts performed on her face 27 days after her injury. Traditional facial exercises were implemented prior to and post autografting. Daily silicone-lined face mask was implemented on post-op day (POD) 13, and KT was initiated on POD 59, in addition to wearing the face mask. KT was applied solely by burn therapists and 100% pull was initiated at the oral commissure along the lateral side of the face, passing the lateral canthys, and continuing to the hairline. KT was re-applied every 2–3 days depending on adherence and wound care needs. KT was applied for a total of 21 applications over the course of 50 days. During intervention time the patient demonstrated complete ocular closure that subsequently resulted in decreasing the need of ointments, moisture barriers, and further opthomological interventions (See Figure 1). The patient has maintained her ocular closure since her last application of KT two months prior. In addition to facial mask compression, the use of KT was an effective and non-invasive way to treat lagophthalmos without sacrificing skin integrity. This combination actively promoted ocular closure and eliminated the need of further surgical ocular management. KT can be considered an alternative or supplemental intervention for management of lagophthalmos in facial burns.