Functional and quality of life outcomes in bone sarcoma following amputation, rotationplasty or limb-salvage

ABSTRACT Introduction: Bone sarcomas are rare primary mesenchymal tumours affecting children and adults. Since the advent of modern chemotherapeutic and reconstructive techniques, limb salvage has replaced amputation to become the standard of care for bone sarcomas. Surgical principles mandate achieving survival outcomes and maximising limb function. Whilst oncological and functional patient outcomes after limb-salvage surgery are frequently reported in scientific literature, the health related quality of life outcomes are frequently overlooked. Areas covered: Studies examining functional outcomes have generally reported better function after limb-salvage, but this may not necessarily translate into improved quality of life. This article examines functional and quality of life outcomes following amputation, limb-salvage and rotationplasty for bone sarcoma in the lower limbs. Expert commentary: Physical function and everyday competence to perform activities of daily living are predictive of quality of life, not the type of surgical procedure. This highlights the importance of preserving limb function to maximise quality of life following all types of surgery.