Shoulder-girdle strength after standard and lateral muscle-sparing thoracotomy

There is no objective data in the literature to support the statement that shoulder-girdle strength can be preserved better after muscle-sparing thoracotomy compared with standard thoracotomy. The aim of this study is to determine the decrease on muscle strength with objective criteria by measuring the peak torque value produced by the shoulder girdle.

Peak torque values on abduction and adduction of entire shoulder range at the velocity of 60 and 120 degree per second were measured with an isokinetik dynomometer which was attached to a computer. The measurements were performed in 20 cases, all candidates for thoracotomy. Patients were randomised into 2 groups; muscle sparing thoracotomy was undertaken in group A, and standard thoracotomy in group B. The same measurements were repeated 3 months after the surgery.

The decrease in postoperative PT values between group A and B was statistically significant (p<0.003). The decrease on shoulder abduction and adduction was insignificant in group A (p = 0.33 and p=0.13) and statistically significant in group B (p<0.0001 and p<0.001).

These results confirm the statement that shoulder girdle strength is better preserved with muscle-sparing thoracotomy.