What are the Results of Resection of Forearm Soft Tissue Sarcoma?

Abstract

Only few reports have assessed the characteristics and oncological and functional outcomes of forearm soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Then, we aimed to investigate the clinical features and survival-related factors for forearm STS who underwent surgical excision at our institution. There were 38 patients. Fourteen patients (41%) were referred to our institution after an unplanned excision and tumor size and grade were significantly associated with the receipt of it. The postoperative median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society rating scale (MSTS) score was 28. Bone resection or major nerve palsy was the only factor influencing the postoperative MSTS score (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in MSTS scores according to the reconstruction procedures (the use of flap or tendon reconstruction). The 5-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rate was 86%. Univariate analysis revealed that the histological diagnosis of myxofibrosarcoma was the only factor that influenced LRFS (P = 0.047). The 5-year metastasis-free survival rate was 77%. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 94%. Age was the only factor that influenced OS (P = 0.01). In conclusion, reconstruction of the skin and tendon can compensate for function. Careful follow-up is important, especially in patients with myxofibrosarcoma, due to its likelihood of local recurrence.