Shoulder biomechanics as a mediator of clinical outcomes following three common breast reconstruction techniques

Common post-mastectomy breast reconstructions require the removal of key shoulder muscles, which can alter shoulder biomechanics and may affect a patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living. However, the extent to which post-reconstruction shoulder biomechanics influences clinical outcomes is unclear. The current investigation aimed to determine direct and indirect impact of breast reconstruction type on post-operative patient-reported outcomes using shoulder strength and stiffness as mediators. Our results indicate that post-mastectomy breast reconstructions affect a patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living with their upper extremity only to the extent that adduction and abduction shoulder strength is reduced.