Reduction mammoplasty and back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose There is anecdotal evidence that many patients who undergo reduction mammoplasty (RM) procedures, to relieve symptoms of large breasts, also report improvement in existing back pain. Given how important back pain is as a healthcare burden, the literature which explores the relationship between RM and back pain is sparse. Thus, we aimed to appraise whether such a correlation exists, through systematic review and meta-analysis. Method Adhering to PRISMA methodology, we used the OVID engine to search the MEDLINE and Embase databases with predefined search terms and inclusion criteria. MeSH terms were not exploded. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3, employing a Mantell-Haenszel method and a fixed-effect model suitable for dichotomous data. Results The review yielded 13 articles after exclusions, eight of which were suitable for quantitative analysis. The results of the analysis suggested an improvement in back pain following RM across all studies (OR 40.37 [8.09, 201.53] 95% CI, n = 1008). Heterogeneity was high (τ 2 = 5.14, χ 2 = 230.37, df = 7 (p < 0.00001) i 2 = 97%). Conclusions Although cursory, the evidence gleaned suggests that RM reduces the prevalence of back pain in patients with large breasts. Furthermore, we highlight the scarcity of studies investigating whether RM is at the clinical threshold of efficacy in treating back pain. Although the evidence is insufficient for recommending RM as a management option aimed at treating back pain, this review does identify the need for prospective data looking at back pain metrics as a specific outcome measure before and after reduction mammoplasty.

The Association Between Female Breast Size, Backache, and Quality of Life in Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These findings align with existing literature emphasizing that breast hypertrophy imposes limitations that extend beyond physical pain to tangible disruptions in daily functioning and social engagement. For example, Mian et al demonstrated that reduction mammaplasty leads to significant improvements in physical functioning, social participation, and overall quality of life [ 14 ]. Meanwhile, Goulart et al reported that surgical reduction in breast size not only alleviates pain but also improves posture and decreases the perception of discomfort [ 16 ].…”

The Association Between Female Breast Size, Backache, and Quality of Life in Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These findings align with existing literature emphasizing that breast hypertrophy imposes limitations that extend beyond physical pain to tangible disruptions in daily functioning and social engagement. For example, Mian et al demonstrated that reduction mammaplasty leads to significant improvements in physical functioning, social participation, and overall quality of life [ 14 ]. Meanwhile, Goulart et al reported that surgical reduction in breast size not only alleviates pain but also improves posture and decreases the perception of discomfort [ 16 ].…”

Revisiting Breast Reduction Insurance Coverage: How the Schnur Scale Discriminates against Women Based on Body Habitus

“…improve one's quality of life. [6][7][8] The challenge of trying to obtain insurance coverage is significant and adds to the bureaucratic burdens of insurance prior authorization. Insurance denials mainly stem from requesting breast resection weights less than dictated by insurance companies.…”

“…Breast reduction continues to be a highly sought after procedure to alleviate symptomatic macromastia and has been shown to significantly improve one’s quality of life. 6–8 The challenge of trying to obtain insurance coverage is significant and adds to the bureaucratic burdens of insurance prior authorization. Insurance denials mainly stem from requesting breast resection weights less than dictated by insurance companies.…”

Evaluation of the Effect of Reduction Mammoplasty on Body Posture in Patients with Macromastia

“…Some studies have shown significant alleviation of pain after the reduction of mammoplasty [ 17 ]. The obtained results also showed a significant reduction in the neck, shoulder, and back pain after operation in patients with pre-op BMI>30.…”

The Association Between Female Breast Size, Backache, and Quality of Life in Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These findings align with existing literature emphasizing that breast hypertrophy imposes limitations that extend beyond physical pain to tangible disruptions in daily functioning and social engagement. For example, Mian et al demonstrated that reduction mammaplasty leads to significant improvements in physical functioning, social participation, and overall quality of life [ 14 ]. Meanwhile, Goulart et al reported that surgical reduction in breast size not only alleviates pain but also improves posture and decreases the perception of discomfort [ 16 ].…”

Revisiting Breast Reduction Insurance Coverage: How the Schnur Scale Discriminates against Women Based on Body Habitus

“…improve one's quality of life. [6][7][8] The challenge of trying to obtain insurance coverage is significant and adds to the bureaucratic burdens of insurance prior authorization. Insurance denials mainly stem from requesting breast resection weights less than dictated by insurance companies.…”

“…Breast reduction continues to be a highly sought after procedure to alleviate symptomatic macromastia and has been shown to significantly improve one’s quality of life. 6–8 The challenge of trying to obtain insurance coverage is significant and adds to the bureaucratic burdens of insurance prior authorization. Insurance denials mainly stem from requesting breast resection weights less than dictated by insurance companies.…”

Evaluation of the Effect of Reduction Mammoplasty on Body Posture in Patients with Macromastia

“…Some studies have shown significant alleviation of pain after the reduction of mammoplasty [ 17 ]. The obtained results also showed a significant reduction in the neck, shoulder, and back pain after operation in patients with pre-op BMI>30.…”

The Association Between Female Breast Size, Backache, and Quality of Life in Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These findings align with existing literature emphasizing that breast hypertrophy imposes limitations that extend beyond physical pain to tangible disruptions in daily functioning and social engagement. For example, Mian et al demonstrated that reduction mammaplasty leads to significant improvements in physical functioning, social participation, and overall quality of life [ 14 ]. Meanwhile, Goulart et al reported that surgical reduction in breast size not only alleviates pain but also improves posture and decreases the perception of discomfort [ 16 ].…”

Revisiting Breast Reduction Insurance Coverage: How the Schnur Scale Discriminates against Women Based on Body Habitus

“…improve one's quality of life. [6][7][8] The challenge of trying to obtain insurance coverage is significant and adds to the bureaucratic burdens of insurance prior authorization. Insurance denials mainly stem from requesting breast resection weights less than dictated by insurance companies.…”

“…Breast reduction continues to be a highly sought after procedure to alleviate symptomatic macromastia and has been shown to significantly improve one’s quality of life. 6–8 The challenge of trying to obtain insurance coverage is significant and adds to the bureaucratic burdens of insurance prior authorization. Insurance denials mainly stem from requesting breast resection weights less than dictated by insurance companies.…”

Evaluation of the Effect of Reduction Mammoplasty on Body Posture in Patients with Macromastia

“…Some studies have shown significant alleviation of pain after the reduction of mammoplasty [ 17 ]. The obtained results also showed a significant reduction in the neck, shoulder, and back pain after operation in patients with pre-op BMI>30.…”