Shoulder complaints after nerve sparing neck dissections.
The purpose of the study was to analyse the prevalence of shoulder complaints after nerve sparing neck dissection at least 1 year after surgery, and to analyse the influence of radiation therapy on shoulder complaints. Patients were interviewed for shoulder complaints, and patients filled out the shoulder disability questionnaire to evaluate shoulder disability in daily activities. In total 137 patients; 51 after modified radical neck dissection (MRND), 21 after postero-lateral neck dissection (PLND), and 65 after supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHND) were analysed. After MRND 33.3% of the patients experienced shoulder complaints, after PLND 66.7%, and after SOHND 20% of the patients experienced shoulder complaints. Type of neck dissection was significantly (P < 0.001) related to shoulder complaints. Outcome on the shoulder disability questionnaire also showed a significant (P < 0.01) difference in outcome for type of neck dissection. The prevalence of shoulder complaints after SOHND are low, and reduce disability in daily activities. Radiation therapy does not have a significant effect on shoulder complaints and disability.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. c.p.van.wilgen@rev.azg.nl
C P
CP
van Wilgen
P U
PU
Dijkstra
B F A M
BF
van der Laan
J Th M
JT
Plukker
J L N
JL
Roodenburg
D000055:Accessory Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery*; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome