Proceedings of the British Institute of Radiology Radiology 90 — Work in Progress

Thirty-two patients (19 men, 13 women) have thus far been entered into a retrospective study of limb function and quality of life following the treatment of lower limb soft tissue saroma with surgery ± radiotherapy. A detailed assessment of range of movement using goniometry, manual muscle testing, assessment of gait, radiation fibrosis, lymphoedema and pain has been carried out in conjunction with a functional questionnaire, studying mobility, dressing, grooming, home environment, vocational and leisure activities. Results. The median age of patients at presentation was 44 years and the median number of months of surgery 51.1. Fourteen out of 32 patients had thigh tumours, seven lower leg, five buttock, three knee, three groin. Sixty percent had high-grade tumours and 26/32 received radiotherapy (mean dose 55 Gy). The range of movements was severely restricted in 13/26 patients receiving radiotherapy. Muscle power was severely or moderately impaired in 20/32 patients. Despite this, the overall functional score was normal in 50% and no patient had more than a mild functional disability. Conclusion. Despite moderate to severe reductions in range of movement and muscle power, most pa