Rehabilitation and functional results after prosthetic knee replacement following resection of a malignant tumor: A report of four cases

The aim of this report is to discuss the rehabilitation aspects and functional results after prosthetic knee replacement following resection of a malignant tumor. Four patients treated with prosthetic knee replacement following resection of a malignant tumor were presented. Rehabilitation program began on the first postoperative day and all subjects were followed up for an average of 32 months. Although the principals of rehabilitation after arthroplasty were used, rehabilitation program was modified because of specific challenges such as wide soft tissue and bone excision. The system of the International Society of Limb Salvage was used for reporting the functional outcome. Isometric quadriceps muscle strength was evaluated with an isokinetic dynamometer. At the time of the latest follow up mean overall functional score was 74.75±10.24% of the normal and the mean extensor torque of the affected knee was 52±14.32% of the unaffected knee. Patients who were treated with a prosthetic replacement after resection of a malignant tumour can achieve satisfactory functional results with a modified rehabilitation program.