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Objective: Sarcoma is a rare cancer that may result in reduced mobility, social isolation, poorer mental health, and ongoing medical issues for patients. Family carers play a crucial role in supporting patients throughout their sarcoma journey. Despite the aggressive and debilitating nature of the disease, the unmet needs of these carers are yet to be explored. The aim of this study was to explore the unmet needs of carers of patients diagnosed with sarcoma., Methods: An exploratory qualitative research design with a social constructionist epistemology was used. Participants were carers of patients diagnosed with a sarcoma (n = 33). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with carers of patients who completed treatment for sarcoma and also bereaved carers (BC). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis., Findings: Four overarching themes were identified: support with medical aspects of caregiving, support for self, needing information about the patient, and financial support. Participants recognised that they needed psychosocial support, however, many were reluctant to access support as they perceived this to be prioritising their own needs instead of the patients'. They also needed more information about the patients' disease and how to navigate the health system., Conclusions: Family carers for patients with sarcoma have onerous responsibilities that affect their ability to access care for themselves and their family. Providing more holistic patient care and carer-specific information and training could reduce carer burden. Establishing support groups specific to carers and BC of patients diagnosed with sarcoma could provide opportunities for social interaction and psychosocial support., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: Sarcoma is a rare cancer that imposes a significant burden on the lives of patients. Many survivors have long-term disability as a result of treatment and the disease. Patients often experience functional issues, poorer mental health, reduced quality of life, and interpersonal issues. There is a need to explore the unmet needs of sarcoma patients as it is unclear how these issues are being addressed. The aim of this study was to explore the unmet needs of patients who have been diagnosed with sarcoma., Methods: The participants were individuals previously diagnosed with a sarcoma (n = 22). Participants completed a semi-structured interview about their unmet needs relating to sarcoma. The transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis., Results: Five overarching themes were identified: daily living, financial needs, lack of information, need for a community, and navigating the healthcare system. Participants reported a range of practical needs, including transport, limited understanding of their treatments, and financial issues. Participants also described a need to connect with people who had gone through similar experiences., Conclusions: Sarcoma patients have fundamental needs that affect their capacity to live their life in the best possible way. Health services need to better facilitate sarcoma patients at each stage of their experience by providing individualized referrals, support, and coordination. Support interventions are needed to help patients adjust to sarcoma and to improve their quality of life as an outpatient. Connecting patients with sarcoma support groups may provide them with more relevant and intimate support., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Purpose: To investigate strength and functional symmetry during common tests in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and its association with post-operative rehabilitation., Methods: At a median 11.0 months post-surgery (range 10-14), 111 ACLR patients were assessed. A rehabilitation grading tool was employed to evaluate the duration and supervision of rehabilitation, as well as whether structured jumping, landing and agility exercises were undertaken. Patients completed the Noyes Activity Score (NSARS), maximal isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength assessment, and a 4-hop test battery. Limb Symmetry Indices (LSIs) were calculated, presented for the entire group and also stratified by activity level. ANOVA evaluated differences between the operated and unaffected limbs across all tests. Correlations were undertaken to assess the relationship between post-operative rehabilitation and objective test LSIs., Results: The unaffected limb was significantly better (p < 0.0001) than the operated limb for all tests. Only 52-61 patients (47-55%) demonstrated LSIs ≥ 90% for each of the hop tests. Only 34 (30.6%) and 61 (55.0%) patients were ≥ 90% LSI for peak quadriceps and hamstring strength, respectively. Specifically in patients actively participating in jumping, pivoting, cutting, twisting and/or turning sports, 21 patients (36.8%) still demonstrated an LSI < 90% for the single hop for distance, with 37 patients (65.0%) at < 90% for peak knee extension strength. Rehabilitation was significantly associated with the LSIs for all tests., Conclusion: Rehabilitation was significantly correlated with limb symmetry, and lower limb symmetry was below recommended criterion for many community-level ACLR patients, including those already engaging in riskier activities. It is clear that many patients are not undertaking the rehabilitation required to address post-operative strength and functional deficits, and are being cleared to return to sport (or are returning on their own accord) without appropriate evaluation and further guidance., Level of Evidence: IV.

When patients present with bilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency and require reconstruction in both knees, a single setting or staged approach can be adopted. Although single-setting reconstruction has been described, there are no published case series that describe simultaneous bilateral ACL reconstruction. We report a case series of eight patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral ACL reconstruction. We used two-camera stack systems to allow for truly simultaneous bilateral surgery by two surgical teams. At 2 weeks, all patients were independent in mobility. There was no difference in pivot shift, Lysholm and Tegner scores at 1 year when compared to published outcomes for unilateral ACL reconstruction. The median duration of follow-up was 28 months (range 12-50 months). Based on these small numbers, our results demonstrate that simultaneous bilateral ACL reconstruction is a safe and clinically effective option when using either hamstring or patella tendon graft.