Three-dimensional imaging evaluation of facial swelling after orthognathic surgery with compression and Kinesio taping therapy: a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

Postoperative swelling is a common complication of orthognathic surgery. The authors used three-dimensional (3D) image analysis and body surface temperature to determine the effects of compression taping (CT) and Kinesio taping (KT) by the epidermis, dermis, and fascia method (EDF-KT) on postoperative swelling. The authors conducted a prospective, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Among the 162 patients diagnosed with jaw deformity and who underwent orthognathic surgery from August 2020 to October 2022, 105 patients (men: 36, women: 69, mean age: 28.27±8.92) underwent Le Fort type I + sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) or SSRO and were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: EDF-KT group (n=31), CT group (n=41), and no tape group (control group, n=30). All taping was performed immediately postoperatively and removed on postoperative day (POD) 5. Three-dimensional images of the participants' faces were obtained preoperatively and at PODs 3, 7, 30, and 90 using a hand-held 3D imaging system and infrared thermography. No significant difference was observed in postoperative swelling and postoperative body surface temperature between the groups at each time point. The CT group showed a trend towards reduced swelling on PODs 3 and 7 and a trend toward residual swelling on POD 90. The EDF-KT group showed a trend towards an increase in postoperative body surface temperature. CT taping may not be appropriate for postoperative swelling control, suggesting that EDF-KT may affect body surface temperature. Further validation of the efficacy of KT for jaw deformities is needed.