Abstract
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of STS resection in the thigh on MS and the HRQoL.
Methods:
Fourteen adults patients with STS in the thigh who underwent wide resection and limb preservation were evaluated. The patients were submitted to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A hand-held dynamometer was used to measure the MS the flexors, adductors, abductors, and extensors muscles of the operated and non-operated thighs and between the dominant and non-dominant operated sides. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) and Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) questionnaires were applied to quantify the psychometric properties of the HRQoL. The data were submitted to statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test (MS), and Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation (MSTS and SF-36) (α = 0.05).
Results:
There was no significant difference in MS between the operated side and the non-operated side, and between the dominant and non-dominant operated side (ρ > 0.05). The MSTS presented a significant difference in the emotional acceptance for patients submitted to radiotherapy (ρ = 0.029). The SF-36 showed significant differences in the emotional aspect for patients submitted to chemotherapy (ρ = 0.027) and in the social aspect between the dominant and non-dominant operated side (ρ = 0.024).
Conclusions:
The HRQoL of adult patients is hampered after the treatment of STS even when MS is maintained.
Keywords:
Soft tissue sarcoma; Lower limb; Thigh; Rehabilitation; Muscle strength
HIGHLIGHTS
Supportive therapies are essential for maintenance of the muscle strength and quality of life.
Some quality of life parameters are hampered after soft tissue sarcoma treatment.
Soft tissue sarcoma treatment does not interfere with the functionality of the operated limb.