Resection of the sciatic, peroneal, or tibial nerves: assessment of functional status

Lower-extremity tumors are often treated by amputation rather than limb-sparing excision that sacrifices the sciatic nerve or a branch. This study assessed the functional outcome of major nerve sacrifice during limb-sparing resections for lower-extremity soft tissue sarcoma.

Patients who underwent division of the sciatic, tibial, or peroneal nerve(s) during limb-sparing sarcoma surgery (January 1982 through June 2000) were identified. Eleven surviving patients evaluated their pre- and postoperative functional status by self-administered questionnaire (six sciatic, two tibial, and three peroneal nerve divisions).

Eighteen patients (10 male, 8 female; 14-84 years old) had nine primary and nine locally recurrent tumors. Tumors were high (16) or low grade (two). Five patients died of disease and two died of other causes. Median overall survival was 50 months. One of 11 reported increased pain. Eight had new phantom sensations with a median intensity of 4.5 (1 = least; 10 = most). All patients used an ankle brace to walk after a sciatic (four) or peroneal (one) division. Walking ability and distance after surgery was unchanged (nine), improved (one), and worsened (one). Standing improved in 7 of 11 patients. Proprioception in the affected extremity was retained in six. The median postoperative leg functional score was 8 (1 = worst; 10 = best). No patient developed foot ulcers. One patient underwent amputation for recurrence. All patients preferred their status over having an amputation.

Objectively and subjectively, division of the major lower-extremity nerves causes acceptable functional deficits in most patients. Resection of affected sciatic nerve (branches) during limb-sparing tumor surgery is an excellent alternative to amputation.