Shoulder motion range and strength assessment in late post-operative patients having undergone modified radical mastectomy

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasm among women; it is traditionally treated by surgery ranging from quadrantectomy to widened modified radical mastectomy, of which common sequels are changes in articular range of motion, muscle strength decrease, lymphedema, and adherences. The aim of this work is to evaluate shoulder motion range and muscle strength in late post-operative patients having undergone radical modified mastectomy. Nine women, mean aged 53.22±6,5 years, in 2-to-7 year post-operative span, were evaluated as to shoulder motion range and muscle strength of the surgery side, considering the contralateral shoulder and limb as the standard reference for comparison. Data were statistically analysed and significance level set at p=0.05. Results showed significant reduction in shoulder range of motion in all patients, mainly in active and passive flexion and abduction, as well as lesser muscle strength, especially in Middle Trapezius and Supraspinatus muscles, as compared to the healthy limb. Findings stress the need to physical therapy to be onset at immediate post-operative, in order to minimize possible sequels and improve women's quality of life.