(P 147) UNDERSTANDING THE EXPERIENCES OF PATIENTS RETURNING TO DAILY ACTIVITES AND EXERCISE FOLLOWING LIMB SPARING SURGERY FOR BONE OR SOFT TISSUE SARCOMA AROUND THE KNEE

Objective: The aim of this study is to understand the experiences and potential barriers of returning to daily activities and exercise following treatment for knee sarcoma to pre-operatively guide patient expectations and support rehabilitation.

Methods: In phase one, a narrative literature review was undertaken with sarcoma survivors, with a focus on knee tumours. This informed phase two, a qualitative study of eight patients who were at least one-year post limb sparing surgery of the knee, identified through clinics and clinical records between 2018-2022. These patients had all received their surgery through the London Sarcoma Service and were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interviews were performed and ethical approval was granted from a National Ethics Committee in the UK (reference 21/WA/0027). Data was then analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Eight patients with around knee sarcoma were included in the study. Patients received either a distal femoral replacement, proximal tibial replacement or a tibia resection with fibula allograft. Four themes emerged, Navigating activities of daily living, Barriers to exercise, The need for mental health support and Lack of local knowledge. Patients demonstrated resilience returning to life after treatment and expressed both positive and negative aspects of recovery.

Conclusion: Most patients following limb sparing surgery continue to experience not only physical limitations but also long-term effects on mental health. Improved individualised rehabilitation and comprehensive follow up perhaps based on biopsychosocial models, may help to mitigate some of the difficulties faced.