Background There is evidence to suggest some degree of shoulder restriction and loss of strength in patients following Latissimus Dorsi (LD) breast reconstruction. However, due to there being no standardised assessment or follow-up period within the literature there are conflicting findings. Therefore, the overall aim of this research was to investigate the functional impact of LD breast reconstruction in women following mastectomy for breast cancer. Methods A focus group study explored the musculoskeletal (MSk) consequences of breast reconstruction using the LD muscle as perceived by the women (n=15) and their healthcare professionals (n=l1). A questionnaire survey was then administered to all women in Northern Ireland who had undergone LD breast reconstruction (n=159). Finally, dyad interviews were conducted in order to determine the impact of surgery on function and activities of daily living (ADL) from the woman's perspective and that of her significant other (n=8). Results Findings from the studies indicated low to moderate dysfunction among the group (n=159), however, node removal significantly impacted certain aspects of quality of life (p