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Deterioration of balance control after limb-saving surgery
E de Visser1, J A Deckers, R P Veth
1Department of Medicine and Biophysics, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Summary
Patients undergoing limb-saving surgery for lower limb tumors show good upright standing initially. However, balance control is impaired under increased visual and cognitive demands, indicating incomplete postural adjustments.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Limb-saving surgery for malignant lower limb tumors presents unique challenges for patients.
- Post-surgical balance control is crucial for functional recovery and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of limb-saving surgery on postural control in patients with lower limb malignant tumors.
- To assess how visual and cognitive loads affect balance in these patients.
Main Methods:
- A case series study involving 11 patients who underwent limb-saving surgery and 10 healthy controls.
- Measurement of center of pressure (COP) parameters (amplitude and velocity) during various standing conditions.
- Inclusion of challenging conditions: eyes closed and a dual-task (Stroop test).
Main Results:
- Patients and controls exhibited similar balance control during normal and balance board standing.
- Both groups showed increased anterior-posterior sway with eyes closed.
- Patients demonstrated significantly greater center of pressure amplitude and velocity under dual-task conditions compared to normal standing.
Conclusions:
- Limb-saving surgery patients achieve functional upright standing but struggle with complex balance tasks.
- Postural automatism is not fully restored, highlighting the need for targeted rehabilitation.
- Impaired balance under dual-task conditions suggests potential risks in daily activities.