Exploration of Non-Oncological Outcomes Following Limb Salvage Surgery in Patients With Sarcoma Around the Knee

Abstract

Limb Salvage surgery (LSS) has been considered the standard surgical procedure for tumour resection in bone and soft-tissue cancer, and the standard guidelines aim to preserve the function and tissue of the operated limb as much as possible. This scoping review aims to explore non-oncological physical, functional and quality of life (QoL) outcomes in patients diagnosed with sarcoma around the knee who underwent LSS. Methods: A literature review was conducted based on a systematic approach by generating an appropriate research question, identifying the search criteria, electronically searching databases, thematically analysing findings and discussing the results. Findings: Twelve studies met the search criteria and were eligible for the review. The papers were heterogeneous in their population, procedures and healthcare plan. Three themes were identified: a) functional outcomes, b) QoL, and c) gait and knee goniometry. Functional outcomes showed good-to-excellent levels based on valid outcome measures. QoL varied widely and demonstrated mild-to-moderate disability levels. Gait was assessed in only one paper in which stiff knee gait was exhibited by the patients. Conclusion: Limited studies were eligible for this literature review, leading to inconclusive findings due to the inconsistency of the studies’ results and to the rarity of this disease and its under-represented population. Further research