Radiotherapy does not impact long-term function following resection of soft-tissue sarcomas of the hand

Background/Aim: Radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the hand is thought to be associated with poor function. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term functional outcome in patients with and without radiotherapy. Patients and Methods: At long-term follow-up (mean 10±5 years), 33 (13 males, 20 female) patients, were alive for review. The mean patient age at surgery was 33±17 years and 13 (39%) patients received radiotherapy (mean dose 55±6 Gy). Results: Postoperatively, the mean QuickDASH and MSTS93 were 7±8 and 92±8%, respectively. Comparing patients with and without radiotherapy, there was no difference (p>0.05) between the mean QuickDASH (5±5 vs. 8±9) or MSTS93 (93±9% vs. 91±8%). Surgical complication occurred more commonly in patients with radiotherapy (46% vs. 15%, p=0.10). Conclusion: The use of radiotherapy was associated with a higher rate of complications, however, was not associated with a worse long-term functional outcome in patients with hand STS.