Improving screening for physical impairments and access to early physiotherapy after neck dissection surgery: a translational controlled trial.

Purpose: Lack of routine screening for a range of physical impairments that can result after neck dissection (ND) may hinder physiotherapy referral and treatment. The purpose of this study was to implement an intervention that targeted both physiotherapists and surgeons to increase their post-operative physical screening of ND patients and in turn improve physiotherapy referral rates.

Methods: The authors undertook a translational controlled pilot study, conducted over a 12-month period that utilised three tertiary hospital sites.

Maximizing shoulder function after accessory nerve injury and neck dissection surgery: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Background: Shoulder pain and dysfunction after neck dissection may result from injury to the accessory nerve. The effect of early physical therapy in the form of intensive scapular strengthening exercises is unknown.

Methods: A total of 59 neck dissection participants were prospectively recruited for this study.

Scapular muscle exercises following neck dissection surgery for head and neck cancer: a comparative electromyographic study.

Background: Shoulder pain and dysfunction can occur following neck dissection surgery for cancer. These conditions often are due to accessory nerve injury. Such an injury leads to trapezius muscle weakness, which, in turn, alters scapular biomechanics.

Impact of neck dissection on scapular muscle function: a case-controlled electromyographic study.

Objective: To assess the dynamic activity of scapular muscles in patients with accessory nerve dysfunction after neck dissection surgery, compared with both their unaffected side and with age- and sex-matched controls.

Design: A case-control investigation.

Setting: Physiotherapy department of a hospital.

Physiotherapy for accessory nerve shoulder dysfunction following neck dissection surgery: a literature review.

Background: Neck dissection is an operation that can result in accessory nerve injury. Accessory nerve shoulder dysfunction (ANSD) describes the pain and impaired range of motion that may occur following neck dissection. The aim of this review was to establish the level of evidence for the effectiveness of physiotherapy in the postoperative management of ANSD.