Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the functionality of the upper limb of patients submitted to neck dissection. Methods: This was a prospective before and after study that consisted of two evaluations, the first one was performed 24 hours before surgery and the second one was performed within 20 to 60 days. The instruments used were: Goniometry, Manual Dynamometry, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: The study found that 68% of the patients reported pain, with a mean VAS score of 3.18 ± 2.74 in the postoperative evaluation. The mean DASH score before and after surgery was 0.1075 and 15.28, respectively, demonstrating a reduction in upper limb function. In relation to the range of motion of the upper limb there was a difference comparing before and after surgery, in flexion, extension and abduction. Conclusion: In conclusion, patients who underwent cervical emptying even with the use of more conservative surgical techniques present alterations in the range of motion, interfering directly in the loss of the function of the affected limb.