Factors influencing functional recovery after limb-salvage surgery for lower extremity musculoskeletal tumours: a qualitative study combining patients' and healthcare professionals' perspectives.

Abstract

Survival rates of lower extremity musculoskeletal tumours (LEMTs) have been increasing. However, patients continue to experience functional limitations after LEMT followed by limb-salvage surgery (LSS). This study aimed to identify factors influencing functional recovery after LSS for LEMT. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of adult patients who underwent LSS for LEMT (<i>n</i>=7) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) with expertise in orthopaedic oncology (<i>n</i>=7). Recruitment continued until data saturation. A combination of deductive and inductive qualitative content analysis was performed to analyse the transcribed data, producing subthemes under the main International Classification of Functioning, disability and health (ICF)-model domains. Four themes were described: (1) bodily functions and structures, (2) activities and participation, (3) environmental factors, and (4) expectations. Physical aspects such as larger resection size and complications negatively affected recovery. The importance of communication strategies of tertiary HCPs and the unfamiliarity of the primary physical therapists with the disease, its surgical treatment, and related consequences were emphasised by both the interviewed patients and HCPs. Functional recovery after LSS for LEMT is a multifactorial process. To improve patient care, improving (intercollegiate) communication strategies on treatment details and expectations about functional outcomes is warranted.