Seyda Toprak Celenay1, Sevtap Gunay Ucurum2, Derya Ozer Kaya2. 1. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Health Sciences Faculty, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey. Electronic address: sydtoprak@hotmail.com. 2. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Health Sciences Faculty, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Unilateral lymphoedema and breast resection after modified radical mastectomy might create impairment of spinal alignment and mobility. The aim of this study was to compare spinal alignment and mobility in women with and without post modified radical mastectomy unilateral lymphoedema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty women with post modified radical mastectomy unilateral lymphoedema (lymphoedema group) and 18 healthy women (control group) were included in this study. The sagittal and frontal spinal alignment and mobility were assessed with a Spinal Mouse (Idiag, Fehraltorf, Switzerland). The severity of the lymphoedema was evaluated with circumferential measurements. RESULTS: In the lymphoedema group, the volume difference of the arms was 448.31 ± 78.14 mL, known as moderate severity lymphoedema. It was seen that the sagittal thoracic curvature (P = .017) and the frontal inclination angle (P = .048) were higher in the lymphoedema group in comparison with the control group. In the lymphoedema group, the frontal inclination angle changed towards the unaffected side (P < .001). No significant differences were found between groups in the other parameters related to spinal curvature and mobility (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The sagittal thoracic curvature and the frontal inclination angle towards the unaffected side increased in women with post modified radical mastectomy unilateral lymphoedema. The sagittal and frontal spinal alignment changes should be taken into consideration for the assessment and the treatment of unilateral lymphoedema.
INTRODUCTION:Unilateral lymphoedema and breast resection after modified radical mastectomy might create impairment of spinal alignment and mobility. The aim of this study was to compare spinal alignment and mobility in women with and without post modified radical mastectomy unilateral lymphoedema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty women with post modified radical mastectomy unilateral lymphoedema (lymphoedema group) and 18 healthy women (control group) were included in this study. The sagittal and frontal spinal alignment and mobility were assessed with a Spinal Mouse (Idiag, Fehraltorf, Switzerland). The severity of the lymphoedema was evaluated with circumferential measurements. RESULTS: In the lymphoedema group, the volume difference of the arms was 448.31 ± 78.14 mL, known as moderate severity lymphoedema. It was seen that the sagittal thoracic curvature (P = .017) and the frontal inclination angle (P = .048) were higher in the lymphoedema group in comparison with the control group. In the lymphoedema group, the frontal inclination angle changed towards the unaffected side (P < .001). No significant differences were found between groups in the other parameters related to spinal curvature and mobility (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The sagittal thoracic curvature and the frontal inclination angle towards the unaffected side increased in women with post modified radical mastectomy unilateral lymphoedema. The sagittal and frontal spinal alignment changes should be taken into consideration for the assessment and the treatment of unilateral lymphoedema.