Predictive factors for winged scapula in breast cancer patients after immediate axillary dissection.

e20634 Background: Axillary lymph node dissection is an inevitable part of breast cancer surgery in certain cases. Definitive data regarding the incidence of postoperative winged scapula remains inconsistent. Ignorance of its diagnosis may lead to under-treatment and result in physical morbidity. Methods: All breast cancer patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection procedures were recruited. In the early postoperative period, within 24 hours after surgery, the physiotherapy staff performed physical examinations to evaluate and identify the physical signs of long thoracic nerve injury by means of two specific orthopedic evaluation tests. The factors that may relate to winged scapula were recorded and analyzed. Results: From July to October 2012, 51 out of 187 patients were diagnosed with winged scapula (27.2%). The median age was 49.0 years old. 130 patients had undergone mastectomy and 100 cases had immediate breast reconstruction. Age, BMI, history of shoulder joint morbidity and previous brea...