Authors (including presenting author) :
Lam YHR(1), Cheung TM (1), Yip HT (1). Lam PL (1), Yau CHR (2), Lam YL (2)
Affiliation :
(1) Physiotherapy Department, Queen Mary Hospital
(2) Division of Orthopaedics Oncology and Limb Salvage surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Queen Mary Hospital
Introduction :
Queen Mary Hospital is one of the tumour centres in Hong Kong. It is managed by the Division of Orthopaedics Oncology and Limb Salvage Surgery (OLS) and dedicated to deliver exceptional care to patients undergoing complex surgeries for musculoskeletal tumours. Annually, the division manages approximately 70 cases, with around 20 requiring intricate surgical interventions resulting in loss of critical musculoskeletal structures. While these life-saving surgeries are crucial, they lead to significant mobility impairment of patients. The goal of physiotherapists is to optimize rehabilitation for these patients, as many of whom face considerable challenges in regaining their mobility post-surgery.
Objectives :
To review on the effectiveness of a tailor made physiotherapy rehabilitation program for musculoskeletal patient in a tumour center in HKW cluster
Methodology :
A recent case exemplifies the unique and tailored rehabilitation services we offered. A 38-year-old female patient presented with a right phyllodes tumour of the breast, along with high-grade spindle cell sarcoma affecting the right proximal femur and internal pelvic bone. In 2023, the patient underwent right internal hemipelvectomy, femoral ostectomy, and unipolar hip arthroplasty with hip transposition. The patient faced significant challenges of a flailed limb due to the sacrifice of the right femoral and sciatic nerves during surgery.
Our structured rehabilitation program is designed to address the specific needs of each patient, focusing on preventing sarcopenia and strengthening residual muscles to facilitate mobility and gait. Experienced physiotherapists play a crucial role in guiding patients through mobility training, even when faced with limited active control of the affected limb.
Collaboration with our multidisciplinary team, including P&O specialists, is essential. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive support for out-of-bed mobilization, enhancing patient safety and confidence.
Result & Outcome :
Through a carefully individualised rehabilitation program and dedicated rehabilitation efforts, the patient achieved ambulation with assistance of walking aids and support. Despite significant functional challenges, physiotherapy enabled meaningful recovery, demonstrating the effectiveness of our tailored program for the patient to regain a degree of independence in mobility.
The Tumour Centre in Queen Mary Hospital is committed to life-saving surgical interventions for patients with musculoskeletal tumours. Our experienced physiotherapists are integral to this mission, developing structured and patient-centred rehabilitation programs that maximize mobility and quality of life after significant surgical interventions. By continuously refining our services and fostering collaboration, we strive to provide the highest standard of care for our patients.
