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Incidence of shoulder pain after neck dissection: A clinical explorative study for risk factors
Author(s) -
Dijkstra Pieter U.,
van Wilgen Paul C.,
Buijs Ron P.,
Brendeke Wim,
de Goede Cornelis J. T.,
Kerst Ad,
Koolstra Muriel,
Marinus Johan,
Schoppink Elisabeth M.,
Stuiver Martijn M.,
van de Velde Caroline F.,
Roodenburg Jan L. N.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.1137
Subject(s) - medicine , neck dissection , range of motion , neck pain , surgery , risk factor , incidence (geometry) , dissection (medical) , physical therapy , physics , alternative medicine , pathology , carcinoma , optics
Background It is the purpose of this study to determine the incidence of shoulder pain and restricted range of motion of the shoulder after neck dissection, and to identify risk factors for the development of shoulder pain and restricted range of motion. Methods Clinical patients who underwent a neck dissection completed a questionnaire assessing shoulder pain. The intensity of pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (100 mm). Range of motion of the shoulder was measured. Information about reconstructive surgery and side and type of neck dissection was retrieved from the medical records. Results Of the patients ( n = 177, mean age 60.3 years [SD, 11.9]) 70% experienced pain in the shoulder. Forward flexion and abduction of the operated side was severely reduced compared to the non‐operated side, 21° and 47°, respectively. Non‐selective neck dissection was a risk factor for the development of shoulder pain (9.6 mm) and a restricted shoulder abduction (55°). Reconstruction was risk factor for a restricted forward flexion of the shoulder (24.5°). Conclusions Shoulder pain after neck dissection is clinically present in 70% of the patients. Non‐selective neck dissection is a risk factor for shoulder pain and a restricted abduction. Reconstruction is a risk factor for a restricted forward flexion of the shoulder. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 947–953, 2001.