Evaluation of clinical factors associated with early postoperative physical function and lower extremity functional impairment in patients with soft tissue sarcoma.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between various clinical factors and physical function in the early postoperative period in patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) by subjective and objective evaluations. The 90 patients enrolled in this study were classified into five groups according to tumor location: retroperitoneal, gluteal, groin, thigh, and lower leg. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was evaluated at discharge; the timed up-and-go test (TUGT) was performed preoperatively and at discharge. Group comparisons by tumor location were performed. To identify significant factors associated with physical dysfunction, multivariate analysis was performed using an MSTS score of <80% and a change in pre and postoperative TUGT score. There were no significant differences between the tumor location and physical function. The change in pre- and postoperative TUGT scores was significantly associated with an MSTS score of <80%. Quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscle resections were significantly associated with the change in pre- and post-operative TUGT scores. The quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles may affect physical dysfunction after surgery for STSs. Early postoperative rehabilitation should include the identification of resected muscles and functional improvement of residual muscles, possibly with orthotic support for knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion. Surgical intervention for soft tissue sarcomas often leads to functional impairment of lower extremities. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scoring system and timed up-and-go test (TUGT) can be used as subjective and objective evaluations of physical function in patients with tumors in the lower extremities. The quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscle resections were significantly associated with change in the pre- and postoperative TUGT scores in the early postoperative period in patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STSs). For early postoperative rehabilitation of STSs, identification of resected muscles and functional improvement of residual muscles, possibly with orthotic support for knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]