The Effects of Breast Reduction on Back Pain and Spine Measurements: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background:The aim of this review article was to synthesize the literature on reduction mammaplasty and its effects on the spine. The particular focus was to find these few radiological studies and those investigating changes in spinal angles, posture, center of gravity, and back pain reduction.Methods:We performed a thorough review of the literature, searching the Medline database for all relevant published data studying reduction mammaplasty and the spine. The search yielded 107 articles of which 11 articles met our specific inclusion criteria. The primary outcome measures of the studies and their respective results were tabulated, contrasted, and compared.Results:The 11 cohort studies included in this review cover the period from 2005 to 2015 and focus on breast hypertrophy and spine. According to these 11 quantitative studies, breast hypertrophy causes objective, quantitative, measurable disturbances to women living with this condition. Reduction mammaplasty produces an unmistakable improvement in signs, symptoms, and quantifiable measures. Although the majority of included articles in this review described postoperative improvement in spinal angles, there remain discrepancies of results between them.Conclusions:The studies included in this review did offer a promising glimpse into the complex interaction between breast hypertrophy and the spine. However, future research initiatives can improve upon what these investigators have begun with more refined, objective, radiological evidence. More specifically, we aim to clarify some of the basic hypotheses in our center with the use of EOS.

Bilateral reduction mammaplasty with pulsed electron avalanche knife PlasmaBlade™ and conventional electrosurgical surgery: A retrospective, randomised controlled clinical trial

“…The combination of removing breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin allows the surgeon to decrease breast weight and restructure the breast to a more pleasing appearance 1 . The indications for reduction mammaplasty include aesthetic concerns and therapeutic reasons such as decrease of breast weight for treatment of complaints of breast and skeletal pain (mainly back and neck pain), 2,3 ptosis, intertriginous skin disorders of the inter‐ or sub‐mammary fold, and psychological disorders 4,5 . When performed for therapeutic reasons, bilateral reduction mammaplasty is one of the few plastic surgeries that health insurance providers in many countries will recognise and routinely pay for 6,7 …”

Improving symmetry of nipple–areola complex (NAC) position in reduction mammoplasty using laser level projection

“…The follow-up period in both groups was 12 (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19) months. Nipple height differences between the two operated sides were 0.61 ± 0.28 cm (0.2-1.2 cm; n = 49) in group A (no laser) and 0.22 ± 0.20 cm (0-0.9 cm; n = 44) in group B (laser) at the 12 (11-19)-month follow-up.…”

“…The prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with a Cobb angle >10° is between 0.5 and 5.2% in the normal population, 11 but the prevalence of asymmetries of the spine and shoulder girdle in patients suffering from macromastia is significantly higher. 12 Patients mainly evaluate the correct nipple position based on their reflection in the mirror rather than by tape-measuring distances; thus, focusing on the identical height of the NAC of both their breasts. 10 To ensure optimal symmetry in reduction mammoplasties, many plastic surgeons-our team included-bring their patients into the upright or beach chair position intraoperatively.…”

Breast Hypertrophy – A Real Pain in The Back

“…The functional benefits of BBR on the musculature deserve further attention. [13][14][15] Our first aim for this study was to confirm that BBH did indeed lead to the described abnormal spinal alignment and the maladaptive muscle compensation, similar to scoliosis, described by Redaelli et al in their compensatory spinal deformities article. 16 The improvement in quality of life (QOL) and self-esteem, in addition to physical and psychological benefits following surgery, has been well documented.…”