Related Experiment Videos
Neck dissection shoulder syndrome: quantification and three-dimensional evaluation with an optoelectronic tracking
Marco Caversaccio1, Sandro Negri, Lutz-Peter Nolte
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital (Inselspital), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|December 5, 2003
Summary
Radical neck dissection significantly alters shoulder biomechanics and function, while modified procedures preserve normal shoulder movement. This 3D analysis quantifies post-surgical shoulder syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Neck dissection procedures, particularly radical neck dissection (RND), can lead to shoulder dysfunction.
- Quantifying 3-dimensional biomechanical changes and their correlation with clinical scores is crucial for understanding shoulder syndrome post-surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively measure 3-dimensional biomechanical shoulder alterations at rest and during arm elevation after unilateral radical neck dissection (RND) and modified radical neck dissection (MRND).
- To evaluate the shoulder syndrome using the Constant score and correlate it with objective biomechanical findings.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel optoelectronic detection system for precise 3D measurement of shoulder kinematics.
- Assessed 12 RND patients, 12 MRND patients (accessory nerve preserved), and 10 healthy controls.
- Measured scapular position, scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR), and applied the Constant score for functional assessment.
Main Results:
- Healthy shoulders exhibited normal scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR).
- MRND resulted in no significant 3D variations in static scapular position or SHR.
- RND led to significant resting scapular displacement (p < .01) and near-complete loss of SHR.
- Constant scores were significantly lower post-RND compared to post-MRND (p < .01).
Conclusions:
- Radical neck dissection causes significant detrimental 3D biomechanical changes in shoulder function.
- Modified radical neck dissection with accessory nerve preservation maintains normal shoulder kinematics.
- 3D biomechanical analysis objectively supports and quantifies clinical findings of shoulder syndrome after neck dissection.