Shoulder Dysfunction Post Spinal Accessory Nerve Preserving Neck Dissections: Our Experience.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Neck dissections are critical for oral cancer treatment but can lead to shoulder dysfunction.
• Preserving the spinal accessory nerve aims to mitigate this specific morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze functional outcomes in oral cancer patients undergoing neck dissections with spinal accessory nerve preservation.
• To evaluate shoulder pain and disability post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study of 45 oral cancer patients.
• Spinal accessory nerve function, shoulder pain, and disability (Arm abduction test) were assessed pre- and post-operatively.
• Patients received rehabilitation and regular follow-up.

Main Results:

• Postoperatively, 89% had limited arm abduction (score 1) and significant pain (scores 6 or 8).
• After 6 months of rehabilitation, 62% improved to an arm abduction score of 4+, and all patients reported pain scores of 4 or less.

Conclusions:

• Shoulder dysfunction can occur even with spinal accessory nerve preservation.
• Active rehabilitation and consistent follow-up significantly reduce shoulder syndrome morbidity.