Effects of Sterile Kinesio Tape on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a surgical tissue graft replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament, located in the knee, to restore its function after an injury. ACLR is used as the gold standard in coping with pain, deformity, and instability for the patients. The most important factors affecting the success of both surgery and postoperative rehabilitation programs are edema, joint movement limitation and pain around the knee in the early postoperative period. If these parameters are managed well in the postoperative period, the quality of life of the patient increases much earlier. In this respect, kinesio taping treatment, which is practical, comfortable, and safe for the patient, is one of the complementary treatment modalities with positive clinical results. No researchers have studied the effects of Sterile Kinesio Tape applied during ACL reconstruction on edema, pain and range of motion in immediate care postoperatively. The purpose of our study İS to assess effects of Sterile Kinesio Tape application on postoperative edema, pain and range of motion after ACLR within 72 hours. Thirty-seven patients who have undergone ACLR will be recruited to our study. Patients will be randomized into 2 groups; Group 1: Sterile Kinesio tape application, Group 2: Control group. All patients will be assessed for pain intensity (with Visual Analog Scale-VAS), edema (with tape measurement) and range of motion (with goniometric measurement-knee flexion/extension). Assessments will be done every day for 3 days (a total of 3 measurements). Group 1 will receive Sterile Kinesio Taping application within 72 hours applied with Sterile Web Cut Kinesio Tape without tension additional to standard during ACLR postoperative care. Group 2 will receive only standard postoperative care.