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Arm function after axillary dissection for breast cancer: A pilot study to provide parameter estimates
Author(s) -
Hladiuk Marianne,
Huchcroft Shirley,
Temple Walley,
Schnurr B. Elisabeth
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.2930500114
Subject(s) - medicine , sequela , lymphedema , axillary dissection , breast cancer , dissection (medical) , surgery , axillary lymph node dissection , physical therapy , mastectomy , cancer , sentinel lymph node
Sixty‐three women participated in a study in Calgary, Alberta to assess the rate of arm recovery and factors affecting it up to one year after axillary node dissection for breast cancer. Outcomes included objective measures of swelling, mobility, and strength, and subjective assessments of pain (at rest and with movement) and stiffness. Approximately 42% of women had residual impairment of at least one type one year after surgery, the most common problems being pain (16%) and reduced grip strength (16%). Except for lymphedema, measurements one year after surgery showed little change from measurements at 6 months, suggesting that the shorter follow‐up may be appropriate for assessing the long term effects of axillary dissection. Lymphedema was the only sequela which increased over time. The results provide parameter estimates for designing studies to evaluate the role of physiotherapy after axillary dissection. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, inc.