Influence of correction surgery on breast asymmetry in female adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with right-convex thoracic curve

English Keywords:adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, breast asymmetry, correction surgery  aesthetics

English Abstract:

  【Abstract】 Objectives: To evaluate the influence of correction surgery on breast asymmetry in female adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS) with right-convex thoracic curve. Methods: This study recruited 60 female AIS patients undergoing correction surgery from October 2012 to December 2013, with their Tanner stages being 3, 4 or 5 for breast development. The following concave and convex aesthetic parameters were measured on the photos both pre- and post-operatively: the nipple-nipple length(NNL), clavicle-nipple length(CNL), middle sternum-nipple length(MSNL), sternal notch-nipple length(SNNL), medial mammary radius(MR), inferior mammary radius(IR) and extraversion angle(α). Paired t-test was performed to analyze the asymmetry of aesthetic breast parameters between the concave and convex side both pre- and post-operatively, as well as the influence of correction surgery on severity of breast asymmetry. Results: The asymmetry of CNL, MSNL, SNNL, MR, IR and α was -1.7±7.1mm, 3.0±7.2mm, 2.4±8.4mm, 7.5±6.6mm, 1.3±3.9mm and -1.2°±5.1° pre-operatively, and 3.3±6.0mm, 2.5±6.8mm, 3.4±8.4mm, 7.2±6.9mm, 0.2±4.4mm and -2.6°±5.3° post-operatively. Significant difference was noted for MSNL, SNNL, MR and IR pre-operatively, and CNL, MSNL, SNNL, MR and α post-operatively. The paired t test indicated the significant aggravation of asymmetry in terms of CNL and α(P<0.05). The asymmetry of SNNL also increased though no statistically significant difference was confirmed(P>0.05). Conclusions: The correction surgery breaks the relatively regional balance of breast morphology, which causes the pre-operatively symmetrical CNL and α evolving to be asymmetrical postoperatively, and thus indicates an adverse influence of correction surgery on breast morphology.