Evaluation of Kinesio taping in the postoperative period of zygomatic fractures: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) on postoperative edema, trismus, and pain after surgical treatment of unilateral zygomatic complex fractures.

STUDY

DESIGN

Eighteen patients with unilateral zygomatic fractures were randomly allocated to a control group (no taping) or a KT group. Taping was applied using a compressive technique during the first 72 hours and a lymphatic technique until postoperative day 7. Edema was assessed by linear facial measurements at 6 time points and by stereophotogrammetry at 3 time points. Trismus and pain were also evaluated.

RESULTS

No statistically significant between-group differences were observed for linear edema measurements. Both groups showed significant edema reduction after 72 hours. Volumetric analysis showed higher mean facial volumes in the control group, without statistical significance. The KT group demonstrated a numerically greater mean increase in maximal mouth opening (8.67 mm) compared with controls (6.30 mm). Pain scores were consistently lower in the taping group, without statistical significance. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

KT was safe and well-tolerated but did not demonstrate statistically significant superiority over standard postoperative care for edema, trismus, or pain in this sample. Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry proved to be a sensitive method for postoperative facial volume assessment.