Use of Kinesio® taping and manual lymphatic drainage to manage traumatic edema and ecchymosis post arthroscopic meniscectomy in a recreational weightlifter: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported success of edema management with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) or Kinesio® taping. However, there is limited evidence investigating the use of a combination of the two postoperatively and evidence is conflicting due to limitations of published trials. The purpose of this case report was to describe the utilization of MLD and Kinesio® taping in the physical therapy (PT) management of edema and ecchymosis post-arthroscopic meniscectomy. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 51 year-old male was referred to PT 10 days after meniscectomy. He presented with increased edema that was not atypical secondary to a suspected saphenous vein injury. Severe edema and ecchymosis began 24 hours after surgery, which led to pain and decreases in range of motion (ROM) and difficulty with gait. Interventions for edema management consisted of MLD, Kinesio® taping and therapeutic exercise. OUTCOMES: The patient was seen for five visits over 10 days for edema management that resulted in decreases in girth and pain and increases in ROM and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and Patient Specific Functional Scale. He was able to sleep, return to the gym, and squat without pain. DISCUSSION: Following MLD and Kinesio® taping in conjunction with therapeutic exercises, edema and ecchymosis were reduced allowing for improved function acutely. Early and aggressive edema management postoperatively should be considered to optimize patient outcomes. This case demonstrated early management of edema facilitated increases in ROM and ease of patient-specific activities and decreased pain in five visits.

Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis in a Patient With Shoulder Pain.

A 74-year-old man was referred to physical therapy by his primary care physician for insidious onset of right shoulder pain. Following examination, spinal radiographs and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA-B27) test, which is used to identify common autoimmune disorders, were completed. The radiographs revealed multilevel changes consistent with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, and the HLA-B27 test was positive. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(4):215. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.9243.