Kinesiotape Treatment for Postoperative Edema After Joint Replacement Surgery of the Knee- The KNEETAPE Study

Kinesiotape Treatment for Postoperative Edema After Joint Replacement Surgery of the Knee -The KNEETAPE Study

Postoperative edema is a common condition affecting wound healing and function. Traditionally, manual lymphatic drainage and compressive bandages have been employed to reduce swelling. Kinesiotaping might be an alternative approach. To analyse the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, satisfaction, quality of life, functional outcome and and morbidity of the use of kinesiotape for the treatment of postoperative edema after knee replacement surgery, compared to standard manual lymphatic drainage with compression (i.e. compressive stockings or bandages) or sham taping.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Joint replacement surgery of the knee including conversion from partial to total joint replacement or revision surgery
• Informed Consent as documented by signature

Exclusion Criteria:

• Isolated retropatellar replacement or revision surgery for infection
• Contraindications to manual lymphatic drainage and compression treatment (i.e. compressive stockings or bandages) e.g. heart failure
• Contraindication to kinesiotape treatment, e.g. hypersensitivity to medical glue
• Dermatoses at or around the surgical site
• Suspected or confirmed local infection
• Participation in another trial with investigational drug within the 30 days preceding and during the present trial
• Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons
• Inability for consent or assent by the patient, or lack of proxy consent in assenting patients with signs of incapacity.