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Occupational therapy for accessory nerve palsy after radical neck dissection
Satoaki Chida1, Yoichi Shimada, Toshiki Matsunaga
1Rehabilitation Division, Akita University Hospital, Japan. satoaki@hos.akita-u.ac.jp
The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine
|May 11, 2002
Summary
Occupational therapy improved shoulder function in patients with accessory nerve palsy after neck dissection. However, it showed limited effectiveness for pain management, though daily living independence was achieved.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Accessory nerve palsy is a complication of radical neck dissection for head and neck cancers.
- This condition impacts shoulder function and can cause pain, affecting daily activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy for patients with accessory nerve palsy post-radical neck dissection.
- To assess improvements in shoulder range of motion, pain levels, and functional independence.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with accessory nerve palsy underwent occupational therapy.
- Data collected included pain assessment (resting and motion) and shoulder range of motion (active and passive flexion/abduction) before and after therapy.
Main Results:
- Occupational therapy did not significantly reduce resting or motion pain.
- Patients achieved independence in activities of daily living and housekeeping.
- Significant improvement in shoulder elevation (flexion and abduction) was observed, but active abduction remained poorer than flexion.
- Passive range of motion showed no significant differences between flexion and abduction.
Conclusions:
- Accessory nerve palsy, particularly trapezius paralysis, significantly impairs active shoulder abduction.
- Occupational therapy is effective for improving shoulder function and daily living independence.
- Occupational therapy has limited efficacy in managing pain associated with accessory nerve palsy.