Shoulder impairments in patients with breast cancer: A retrospective review Journal Article

  


Authors: Ghazinouri, R.; Levy, C.; Ben-Porat, L.; Stubblefield, M. D.
Article Title: Shoulder impairments in patients with breast cancer: A retrospective review
Abstract: Background: Shoulder impairments are commonly associated with surgical treatments for breast cancer. The aim of this study was to describe the physical and demographic characteristics of patients with breast cancer referred to outpatient physical and occupational therapy clinics at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center with shoulder impairments and functional deficits. The outcome of rehabilitation interventions is reported and recommendations for therapy interventions are made. Method: Information on medical diagnosis, surgical interventions, physical impairments, functional deficits, and the outcome of rehabilitation interventions were obtained by a retrospective review of 49 charts. All patients were referred to outpatient physical and occupational therapy clinics at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from July 2001 and January 2003. Results: Patients with breast cancer may develop shoulder impairments following treatments for breast cancer. Decreased range of motion, decreased strength, sensory impairments, and increased pain are common deficits found in this patient population. Our study did not demonstrate a significant difference between shoulder impairments in patients who had received axillary lymph node dissection as opposed to sentinel lymph node biopsy. Shoulder impairments were seen immediately postoperatively or as long as 10 years after surgery. Various rehabilitation interventions were effective in improving shoulder impairments and functional status.
Keywords: adult; aged; aged, 80 and over; range of motion; lymphedema; physical therapy; cancer care facilities; occupational therapy; new york; functional status; descriptive research; descriptive statistics; middle age; retrospective design; outcomes (health care); breast neoplasms -- surgery; wilcoxon rank sum test; record review; breast neoplasms -- rehabilitation; shoulder -- physiopathology
Journal Title: Rehabilitation Oncology
Volume: 23
Issue: 2
ISSN: 2168-3808
Publisher: American Physical Therapy Association  
Date Published: 2005-06-01
Start Page: 5
End Page: 8
Language: English
PROVIDER: EBSCOhost
PROVIDER: cin20
DOI/URL:

http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cin20&AN=2009045311&site=ehost-live
Notes: --- - "Accession Number: 2009045311" - "Entry Date: 20051202" - "Revision Date: 20091218" - "Publication Type: journal article; research; tables/charts" - "Journal Subset: Allied Health; Editorial Board Reviewed; Peer Reviewed; USA" - "Special Interest: Oncologic Care; Physical Therapy" - "Source: cin20"