title: Shoulder function after breast reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi flap: A prospective cohort study - Combining DASH score and objective evaluation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is well-known in breast reconstruction especially in previously-irradiated patients, in order to have a low capsular contraction rate whenever an implant is associated. The aim of this study is to closely evaluate the effect of LD flap harvesting on shoulder function as well as specific movements related to the LD, both objectively and subjectively.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively collected data on 86 patients who underwent pedicled LD muscle flap for breast reconstruction at the European Institute of Oncology between September 1995 until March 2011.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of patients showed a joint recovery superior to 80% in all joint movements examined. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire revealed minimal disability similar to normal range and furthermore it appears to decrease in all sports and in particular in those who practice with LD involvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Focusing this data, a growing, "disability-free" percentage changes depending on whether or not the patients have practiced sport could be appreciate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy. Electronic address: cristina.garusi@ieo.it.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Garusi
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy. Electronic address: andrea.manconi@ieo.it.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Manconi
authors.affiliation: Division of Physical Therapist, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy. Electronic address: gabriella.lanni@ieo.it.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lanni
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy. Electronic address: giuseppe.lomeo@gmail.com.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lomeo
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy. Electronic address: pietro.loschi@ieo.it.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Loschi
authors.affiliation: Division of Physical Therapist, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy. Electronic address: maria.simoncini@ieo.it.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Simoncini
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy. Electronic address: luigi.santoro@ieo.it.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Santoro
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy. Electronic address: mario.rietjens@ieo.it.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rietjens
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy. Electronic address: jean.petit@ieo.it.
authors.forename: J Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Petit
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D064171:Superficial Back Muscles / Q000637:transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects*
keywords: Breast reconstruction; Joint function; Latissimus dorsi flap