Abstract
We examined the function of the upper extremity after thoracotomy in 39 patients. Group I included 25 lung cancer patients, Group II included 10 empyema patients, and Group III included 4 miscellaneous patients. Standard posterolateral thoracotomy was performed in Groups I and II, and axillary vertical thoracotmy (the latissimus dorsi muscle was preserved) in Group III. The mean ages of groups I, II and III were 65.7, 64.1, and 52.8 years respective-ly. Among 10 items of upper extremity motion in daily life, 3 items (combing the hair, reaching an overhead shelf, putting on and taking off an undershirt) were significantly restricted on the operated side. There was no significant difference between Group I and Group II and no restriction in Group III. On the 6 measurements of the range of shoulder motion, extension, abduction, and external rotation were significantly decreased. Abduction in Group II was especially decreased (115.2 ± 28.5° : 154.5 ± 21.1°, p <0.01). Both the operative procedure and patient's individual features were considered to be factors in upper extremity dysfunction after posterolateral thoracotomy.
