Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS): Its features and the physical treatment plan of care

A. Moreau, Olivier Leduc, Arnaud Tinlot, A. Clement, T. Parijs, J. Strapart, Fabienne Beckers, Frederic Pastouret, Albert Leduc

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to compare two physical treatments addressing the axillary web syndrome. 28 patients who underwent breast cancer surgery and who developed an AWS are included in this study. First, the patients filled out a questionnaire. Then, each third physical treatment, several measurements were taken of which, the length and the location of the adherence, the specific joint range of motion, and the pain level using the visual analogue scale (VAS). We observed a striking link between the axillary surgery and the development of the AWS. It would seem that an axillary surgery at minima would spawn less lymphatic damages than an axillary clearing; therefore, reducing yet not avoiding the complication. Our data did not allow us to identify the superiority of one treatment over the other. On the other hand, we observed a significant improvement over 13 treatments in both groups and a trend towards a resolution of the AWS in less than 2 months with physical therapy.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)25-28
Number of pages3
JournalThe European Journal of Lymphology and Related Problems
Volume21
Issue number59
Publication statusPublished - 2010

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