FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH SURGERY AND IRRADIATION FOR SOFT-TISSUE TUMORS

One hundred five consecutive patients underwent surgical resection and adjuvant irradiation in treatment of soft tissue sarcoma or aggressive fibromatosis. All patients were entered in a prospective study evaluating functional outcome and 88 patients were examined at 12 months following surgery. Outcome was characterized using the Enneking system as well as documenting employment/recreational status and limb edema. Sixty-eight of 88 patients had functional scores of 21 or better (out of a possible total of 35). Forty-four patients were serially evaluated at 12 and 24 months and there was no difference in their outcome at the 2 time points. Univariate analysis demonstrated that large tumour size, postoperative complications, and neural sacrifice were associated with poor functional outcome.