Abstract
Aim of Study: Assess clinical outcome and function of planned marginal excision of low grade liposarcoma of the forearm.
Material and Methods: Between 1997 and 2005 15 of 27 soft tissue sarcomas of the forearm were liposarcoma.
13 presented in the extensor compartment and 2 flexor compartment at the level of the distal radius. All presented with a painless mass. 5 patients with neurological symptoms. 4 involving the post interosseus nerve and 1 radial nerve. MRI was the diagnostic imaging technique of choice, 2 had biopsies where there was atypical imaging features.
Treatment and Results: All treated by planned marginal excision in view of proximity of neurovascular structures. The majority of tumours of the extensor compartment of the forearm were either involving or abutting the post interosseus nerve or neurovascular conduit.
All underwent planned marginal excision preserving juxtaposed peripheral nerve. There were no radial, spiral or PIN nerve palsies. One patient presented with PIN palsy had partial resolution of symptoms and function. I wound infection
Conclusion: Low grade lipoma-like liposarcomas have low metastatic potential. In the forearm a wide margin would mean ablation of critical neurological structures and planned marginal excision results in good function and to date no evidence of local recurrence at 2–9 year follow up.
The abstracts were prepared by Mrs Leslie O’Leary. Correspondence should be addressed to her at British Orthopaedic Association, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE or at l.oleary@boa.ac.uk
