International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-9096
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 2329-9096
+44 1300 500008
Sarah Eickmeyer
Kansas City, KS
Tanzania
Research Article
Functional Impairments after Neck Dissection and Adjuvant Treatment: Patterns
of Care
Author(s): Sarah Eickmeyer, Tara Mencias, Michael Stadler, Jason Liu, Alexis Visotcky, Becky Massey and Bruce CampbellSarah Eickmeyer, Tara Mencias, Michael Stadler, Jason Liu, Alexis Visotcky, Becky Massey and Bruce Campbell
Objective: Shoulder pain or weakness, lymphedema, and xerostomia are known treatment-related impairments of head and neck cancer, often leading to significant disability. The purpose of this study is to determine the referral patterns to rehabilitation for these impairments in patients who underwent primary surgery that included neck dissection and to identify potential predictors of need for rehabilitation. Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: Tertiary hospital. Patients: Patients who had ten or more lymph nodes removed via neck dissection. Methods and Outcome Measurements: Demographics, cancer history, symptoms and referrals to rehabilitation for shoulder pain or weakness, lymphedema, and xerostomia were recorded. Results: 155 patients with a mean age of 61.4 were identified. 29 patients (20.1%) had shoulder pain or weakness, 39 patients (27.9%) had lymphedema, and 72 subjec.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2329-9096.1000361