Time to Functional Outcome Optimization After Musculoskeletal Tumor Resection

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Limited understanding of functional recovery timelines post-musculoskeletal tumor surgery.
• Need to identify factors influencing patient outcomes after resection.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine the time to functional outcome optimization using Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores.
• Identify patient-specific and surgical factors affecting post-operative recovery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 187 patients undergoing surgical treatment for musculoskeletal tumors (April 2016 - May 2021).
• Assessment of MSTS scores to track time to optimization.
• Evaluation of patient and surgical variables for their impact on recovery.

Main Results:

• 92% of patients achieved optimized MSTS scores within one year.
• 82% reached the maximum MSTS score of 30.
• Osseous tumors, malignancy, radiation/chemotherapy, deep soft tissue location, and bone work significantly impacted optimization time.

Conclusions:

• Functional improvement is expected for most patients up to one year post-surgery.
• Bone tumors, malignancy, adjuvant therapies, deep soft tissue tumors, and bone work indicate longer recovery.
• These factors increase the risk of not regaining pre-morbid functionality.