Functional outcome in limb-salvage surgery for soft tissue tumours of the foot and ankle

Purpose. This paper describes the functional and oncologic outcome of 30 cases (in 29 patients) treated with limb-salvage surgery for localized soft tissue sarcoma (STS) or fibromatosis of the foot and ankle.Subjects. Patients were eligible for the study if they had a STS or fibromatosis in the distal one-third of the tibia or the foot such that ablative surgery would require a below-knee amputation; had no metastatic disease at presentation; and had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up.Methods. Function was prospectively evaluated using the modified Enneking functional rating scale (MSTS) at 3, 6, 12 months and at most recent follow-up. Premorbid work status and change following surgery, lower leg oedema, and the use of orthotics and ambulatory aids were consecutively assessed. Tumour characteristics were recorded and patients were followed for systemic and local recurrence.Results. Thirty-six consecutive cases were managed by a multi-disciplinary sarcoma team. Six patients underwent below-knee amputation due to extensive local disease, while 30 cases were treated with limb-salvage surgery. Of the patients treated with limb salvage, there were 19 high-grade sarcomas, five low-grade sarcomas and six cases of fibromatosis. Microscopically negative margins were achieved in 26 of 30 cases. Ten cases required bone excision, and eight patients needed free vascularized tissue flaps. Twenty-five patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Seven patients had post-operative complications. At mean follow-up of 52 months (range 24-109 months), four patients had developed systemic recurrence. There was one local recurrence in a patient with fibromatosis, while another patient with fibromatosis developed recurrence a considerable distance from the surgical and radiation field. Mean scores on the MSTS were 27.5 (range 11-35), 29.9 (range 13-35), 31.4 (range 17-35) and 31.0 (range 13-35) at 3, 6, 12 months and at most recent follow-up, respectively. Eighty-five per cent of the patients scored good to excellent at their last visit. Twelve patients reported persistent pain with two continuing to require occasional narcotics. Six had persistent mild oedema. Four required shoe modifications and three continue to use a cane. Six patients were unable to return to their premorbid employment with the majority of these previously employed in jobs requiring physical labour or long periods of either standing or walking.Discussion. Thirty of 36 patients (83%) presenting with foot and ankle STS or fibromatosis were candidates for limb preservation. With excellent local control and good functional outcome demonstrated in this study, limb salvage should be a primary goal in the management of selected patients with STS and fibromatosis of the foot and ankle.