Correlation between functional status and quality of life after surgery in patients with primary malignant bone tumor of the lower extremities.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the correlation between functional status and quality of life after surgery in patients with primary malignant bone tumor of the lower extremities. METHODS: A total of 94 patients with primary malignant bone tumor of the lower extremities were enrolled. Correlations between their functional status and quality of life after surgery were descriptively analyzed through functional mobility assessment, Toronto extremity salvage scaling, reintegration to normal life index, and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. RESULTS: All patients presented decreased physical function, activities of daily life (ADL), and social participation capability. Their quality of life was significantly lower than the norm. Scores under all items of functional status significantly correlated with the quality-of-life score (r = .265-.427; p < .01). The postoperative functional status of patients with primary malignant bone tumor of the lower extremities greatly influences quality of life. Lower levels of physical function, ADL, and social participation indicate poorer quality of life. CONCLUSION: To improve quality of life, necessary nursing measures should be adopted to intervene with postoperative functional rehabilitation processes.