Effects of delayed breast reconstruction on the thoracolumbar vertebrae in patients undergoing unilateral mastectomy: A retrospective cohort study

Post-mastectomy changes vertebral column alignment. There is limited data assessing spine curvature after breast reconstruction. In this study, the effects of delayed breast reconstruction on the Cobb angle and quality of life indicator (Oswestry disability index [ODI]) were evaluated in patients undergoing unilateral mastectomy.This study was performed as a retrospective review of 40 patients who had delayed reconstruction for breast cancer at a single center between 2015 and 2018. Patients completed a standardized questionnaire, the ODI, at the beginning and 12 months after the operation. The Cobb angles of the vertebral columns and spinal curve directions were determined using posteroanterior chest radiographs obtained pre- and postoperatively.Mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 49.9 ± 9 years and 30.1 kg/mBreast reconstruction positively affects vertebral alignment and leads to better posture, physical function and decreased back pain in breast cancer survivors, significantly improving their quality of life.