Neck dissections are routinely performed along with Squamous cell carcinoma of Oral cavity either as staging procedure or therapeutic procedure. However, it causes more morbidity in terms of shoulder mobility as more radical neck dissections are done. The purpose of this study is to evaluate morbidity associated with neck dissection for oral cancer, comparing the outcomes in relation to preservation of different anatomical structures in four subsets of patients–viz. 1. Radical Neck Dissection (RND) 2. Modified Radical Neck Dissection (MRND) with nerve preservation (spinal accessory nerve) 3. MRND with nerve sacrifice 4. Selective Neck Dissection (SND). The quality of life scores were generated using the DASH Index (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) and UW-QOL questionnaire (University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire). The range of motion for shoulder and neck evaluated using a self-designed performa, comparing the outcomes between different subsets. 100 patients with Squamous cell carcinoma of Oral cavity who underwent surgery for primary lesion and neck dissection (RND, MRND or SND) were enrolled in prospective manner from 01/01/2021to 12/12/2021 at our institute in this study. Patients were trained for exercises of neck and shoulder by physiotherapy team, each session lasting 30 minutes and evaluated using DASH Index and UWQOL Questionnaire at one month, three months and six months. The shoulder active range of motion (AROM) were quantitatively measured using a Goniometer and compared with that of non-operated side. In our study, shoulder complaints were reported by 66.6% percent subjects in RND group, 56% in MRND group I (nerve not preserved), 12% in MRND group II (nerve preserved) and 4% percent in SND group. In our study, the mean range of motion for lateral abduction was 163 degrees in RND group, 165 degrees in MRND group I, 170 degrees in MRND group II and 173 degrees in SND group. The range of forward flexion was 164 degrees in RND group, 166 degrees in MRND group I, 169 degrees in MRND group II and 176 degrees in SND group. These results are better than found in review of literature.

DASH: Disability of Arms, Shoulder and Hand, UWQOL: University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire, RND: Radical Neck Dissection, MRND: Modified Radical Neck Dissection, SND: Selective Neck Dissection, AROM: Active Range of Motion