Abstract
Aim: To explore the relationship between anatomical location in lower extremity soft tissue sarcoma and function as measured by the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS 93) rating and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS).
Methods: 207 patients of median age 54 years (15 to 89) were reviewed. 58 tumours were superficial and 149 deep. Deep tumours were allocated to one of 9 locations based on anatomical compartments.
Results: Treatment of superficial tumours did not lead to significant changes in MSTS (mean 90.6% vs 93.0%, p=0.566) or TESS (mean 86.4% vs 90.9%, p=0.059). Treatment of deep tumours lead to significant reductions in MSTS and TESS (mean 86.9% vs. 83.0%, p=0.001. mean 83.0% vs. 79.4%, p=0.015). There were no significant differences in MSTS and TESS when overall scores were compared by anatomical location. Exploratory analysis of MSTS subscales showed groin tumours were more painful than others, and posterior calf tumours had the lowest scores for gait. TESS subscales analysis suggested groin and buttock tumours were associated with difficulty sitting, and groin tumours were associated with difficulty dressing. Further exploratory analysis suggested “conservative” surgical excision of low-grade liposarcomas in all locations was associated with a significant decrease in functional scores.
Conclusion: There is significant variation in MSTS and TESS subscale scores when anatomical locations are compared. The “conservative” surgery used in the treatment of low-grade fatty tumours in all locations has a significant impact on functional scores.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Roger Tillman. Correspondence should be addressed to BOOS at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
