Functional Outcome After Lower Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treatment: A Pilot Study Based on Translated and...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Standard care for lower extremity soft tissue sarcomas involves limb-sparing surgery.
• Assessing functional outcomes is crucial for patient recovery and treatment evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate Finnish translations of the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores.
• To preliminarily assess functional outcomes in Finnish patients treated for lower extremity soft tissue sarcomas.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study included 19 surgically treated lower extremity soft tissue sarcoma patients.
• Functional outcomes were assessed using the Finnish versions of TESS and MSTS questionnaires.
• Demographic, clinical, surgical, and oncological data were collected.

Main Results:

• All 19 invited patients participated, with a mean follow-up of 2.8 years.
• No difficulties were reported using the Finnish TESS and MSTS questionnaires.
• Mean TESS score was 88 and mean MSTS score was 76, indicating generally good functional outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The Finnish TESS and MSTS questionnaires are suitable for evaluating functional outcomes in this patient group.
• Functional outcomes after surgical treatment for lower extremity soft tissue sarcomas range from moderate to excellent.