Determining Patient Satisfaction and Treatment Desires in Patients With Musculoskeletal Sarcoma of the Knee After Joint-preservation Surgery Using a Questionnaire Survey.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: For cases of musculoskeletal sarcoma of the knee presenting to our institute, we prioritize joint preservation whenever possible. To investigate patient satisfaction and desire for joint preservation, a questionnaire survey was performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Surveys were mailed to 62 patients with musculoskeletal sarcoma of the knee. Responses concerning the patient and their families' satisfaction were evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale and their priorities for the surgery were noted as well. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 67.7%. All but one person were above neutral for the 5-point Likert scale. Overall, the first priority was tumor removal followed by preservation of function. CONCLUSION: Patients identified tumor removal as their first priority, which could increase satisfaction. Following that, better preservation of function could also increase patient satisfaction. Joint-preservation was consistent with these priorities.