Thoracic Mobility in Post-Mastectomy Women: An Observational Study

Background Mastectomy with radiation therapy or chemotherapy leads to retraction of soft tissues and weakness of muscles which can affect the spinal curvature mobility of the spine and overall function.Objectives The main objective of the study was to assess thoracic spine range of motion ROM in post-mastectomy women.Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 28 post-mastectomy women and 28 age-matched healthy controls. Thoracic spine ROM was assessed for both groups. Flexion and extension of the thoracic spine were measured using a gravity-dependent inclinometer while side flexion and rotation were measured with a 360-degree universal goniometer.Results An independent t-test was utilized to analyze the significance of differences in thoracic ROM between the two groups. The study revealed a significant reduction in thoracic spine ROM among women who underwent mastectomy compared to healthy age-matched controls P lt0.005.Conclusion This study highlights a substantial decrease in thoracic spine mobility following mastectomy underscoring the importance of addressing mobility issues in post-mastectomy rehabilitation programs.nbsp