Time to Functional Outcome Optimization After Musculoskeletal Tumor Resection

Background There is ample literature describing surgical outcomes after oncologic musculoskeletal tumor surgery, however, there is limited understanding of the time to optimization of functional outcome scores after resection. The purpose of this study was to identify the time to functional outcome optimization of Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores after surgery for bone and soft tissue tumors and to identify factors correlated with recovery. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 187 patients from April 2016 to May 2021 that had undergone surgical treatment for musculoskeletal tumors. We assessed MSTS scores to determine the time to optimization and evaluated patient-specific and surgical factors for any influence on post-operative recovery. Results The majority of patients (92%) achieved their optimized score in one year or less. Eighty-two percent achieved the maximum MSTS score of 30. Osseous tumors, malignancy, adjuvant treatment with radiation and/or chemotherapy, deep location for soft tissue tumors, and bony work required for soft tissue tumors all significantly impacted time to MSTS score optimization. Conclusion The majority of patients with musculoskeletal tumors undergoing surgery can be expected to improve up to one year postoperatively. Those with bone tumors, malignant tumors, treatment with radiation and/or chemotherapy, deep soft tissue tumors, and bony work for soft tissue tumors can expect to have a longer recovery time and are at higher risk for not achieving premorbid functionality.