2015 ISAKOS Biennial Congress ePoster #1272

Post Operative Kinesiology Taping in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery

Mui-Hong Lim, MBBS, FRCSED (ORTH), Singapore SINGAPORE
Ci-En Mark Chan, M. Phty (MS) (Aust), BSc (Phty) (Hons) (Aust), Singapore SINGAPORE

Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, SINGAPORE

FDA Status Not Applicable

Summary: This randomised controlled study examines the effects of kinesiology taping following primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

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Abstract:

Introduction

The use of kinesiology taping is increasing in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Kinesiology taping for oedema control had been reported to be effective in the reduction of limb swelling in the management of lymphodema.

Aim

The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of kinesiology taping in reducing early post-operative knee swelling and pain intensity, and improving self-reported knee function and range of motion following primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

This is a randomised controlled study whereby subjects who underwent a primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were recruited and randomly allocated to either the treatment (kinesiology taping) or control (no taping) groups. Inclusion criteria include patients who had underwent primary ACL reconstruction with or without partial meniscectomy by a single surgeon. Exclusion criteria include patients who had underwent primary ACL reconstruction with meniscal repair and/or cartilage resurfacing procedures. Study parameters include pain visual analogue score (VAS), range of movement of the knee, Lysholm knee function score and measurement of the mid-patella circumferential girth. Kinesiology taping of the operated knee was performed at first and second week post surgery. Measurements were taken pre-operative, first, second and sixth week post surgery. All subjects underwent a standardised post operative rehabilitation regime.

Results

25 subjects in each group were recruited. There was significant difference of the measured parameters within the 2 groups between 1st and 2nd week; 2nd and 6th week. However, there was no significant difference in the effect of kinesiology taping on the measured parameters when compared to the control group.

Conclusion

From our study, kinesiology taping had no significant effect in the reduction of post-operative knee swelling and pain or improvement in knee function score and range of movement in the early post operative period following primary ACL reconstruction.