Use of orthoses in complex rehabilitation of children that have underwent oncological arthroplasty

Abstract

Background: The urgency of medical rehabilitation for children with bone sarcoma is extremely high due to the significant impact on a socially important population and the increasing life expectancy of patients with bone sarcomas, leading to long-term orthopedic complications. This necessitates the development of highly effective, comprehensive programs not only for treatment but also for rehabilitation. AIM: Maximizing the recovery of residual quality of life abilities in children with bone sarcomas through the use of orthoses during various perioperative periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 61 patients with bone tumors who underwent anti-tumor treatment and surgical intervention involving tumor removal with endoprosthesis implantation. Medical rehabilitation began from the moment of diagnosis and was conducted throughout all periods of anti-tumor therapy to help patients adapt to the treatment, restore functions in the postoperative period, and during remission, as well as to minimize the effects of aggressive specialized treatment. RESULTS: The functional outcome was assessed using the international MSTS scale. Limb function according to the MSTS scale was evaluated 12 and 24 months after surgery. No unsatisfactory results were observed. Functional outcomes improved over the course of 24 months. CONCLUSION: A dynamically evolving individualized rehabilitation program for children with bone sarcomas is necessary, tailored to the patient's condition and needs at the time of observation, along with personalized selection of orthoses and timely surgical correction of orthopedic consequences, which should be performed in orthopedic specialized hospitals.