How breast reconstruction can negatively impact limb functionality: study

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found women who had breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy had altered movement patterns post-surgery. These patterns may have contributed to decreases in functional performance and instability in the shoulder, the study suggested. These findings could improve post-surgery rehabilitation methods and even influence the type of reconstructive breast surgery patients choose, noted a press release from the University of Saskatchewan, where they study was undertaken. “Women who had breast reconstructions showed movement patterns that were different from those who haven’t had reconstruction,” said Angelica Lang, an assistant professor at USask’s College of Medicine who co-authored the paper with Soo Kim, a professor at the university’s School of Rehabilitation Science. “These alterations are related to reduced functional abilities such as reaching and lifting, and potentially to the development of future shoulder injuries,” added Lang. “It is important to understand these changes in order to restore shoulder function after breast cancer surgery.” Read: Study shows physical activity can reduce the incidence of breast cancer The study included 95 Saskatchewan women, with 25 in the control group, 25 who'd received a mastectomy only, and 45 who'd received a mastectomy with one of three types of reconstruction surgery. Participants were outfitted with reflective markers on their torso and arms and asked to perform a series of tasks to assess overall limb functionality. Those who underwent reconstruction surgery—using any of the three most common procedures—moved their shoulder and arm muscles differently compared with those without breast cancer and those with mastectomy only. They also had lower functionality scores on several tests. Read: 400,000 fewer mammograms performed during pandemic: Ontario Medical Association The study could help fill a gap in the knowledge of shoulder kinematics—also called the geometry of motion—during work-related functions in women who have had breast reconstruction. This is a significant step forward given that the majority of patients with breast cancer are of working age. In addition to improving targeted shoulder rehabilitation treatment programs for patients with breast cancer to restore movement and strength, the knowledge gained from the study could prevent future injuries such as rotator cuff tears, and improve long term quality of life, especially for women whose work requires reaching or overhead arm movement. “We hope that this research will help to improve quality of life for breast cancer survivors,” Lang said. “By identifying and acknowledging the challenges they face after surgery, we hope that steps can be made to better rehabilitate their shoulder function.” Read: Using blood platelets to detect cancer

How breast reconstruction can negatively impact limb functionality: study

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics