Abstract

Introduction. A mastectomy is a common treatment for breast cancer. In Poland, the vast majority of women after mastectomy use an external breast prosthesis.

Objective. The aim of the study was to identify differences in the weight-bearing distribution between women in the early and late period after mastectomy.

Material and methodology. 42 women after unilateral complete or radical amputation of the breast were qualified for the study. The study consisted of 3 parts: anthropometric measurements, measurements of the circumference of the upper limbs, assessment of the weight-bearing distribution using the stabilometric platform.

Results. Within the group of women in the early post-mastectomy period, the weight-bearing distribution was similar between the amputated and non-amputated sides in test with and without external breast prothesis. This has also been observed within the group of women in the late post-mastectomy period. There was no statistical difference between both studied groups. The tests were carried out with and without external breast prosthesis and the results indicate no significant effect of prosthesis on the symmetry of the weight-bearing distribution nor the percentage of load on the amputated and non-amputated sides of the body.

Conclusions. Lymphodema occurs in women in both early and late period after mastectomy however that occurrence does not affect  the nature of the asymmetry of the weight- bearing distribution  between the amputated and non-amputated body sides; The breast prosthesis does not have a significant impact on the weight-bearing distribution between the amputated and non-amputated sides. The analyzed issue requires further comprehensive research.

Key words:

total mastectomy, external breast prosthesis, postural control disorders, posturography, stabilographic platform