The impact of breast reduction surgery on the vertebral column.

[BACKGROUND] Although many studies have shown that breast reduction surgery is effective in reducing neck, back, and lumbar pain, most of these studies are subjective evaluations that usually provide data through pain scales. This study was undertaken to objectively evaluate the radiologic effects of breast reduction on the vertebral column.

[METHODS] Thirty patients who underwent breast reduction surgery were included in the study. A lateral thoracolumbar radiograph was taken before and 3 months after surgery for each patient. The thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and sacral inclination angles were measured for each radiograph. The impact of breast reduction surgery on posture was evaluated according to the comparison of these angles before and after surgery. The effect of age, body mass index, and the total amount of removed tissue was also taken into account, and the relationship between these parameters and their effects on the change in preoperative and postoperative angle measurements were evaluated.

[RESULTS] There was a significant decrease in all 3 angles after breast reduction surgery. A significant correlation was determined between body mass index and the total amount of removed tissue on the change in angle measurements, whereas a definite relationship was not observed between the angles and the patient's age.

[CONCLUSIONS] This study has shown the objective impact that breast reduction surgery has on the vertebral column. Although the symptomatic relief of breast reduction surgery on the musculoskeletal system is widely accepted, the objective assessment of this relief will be beneficial in persuading health insurance companies and those who think of this surgery as a purely aesthetic procedure.