Influence of the adductor compartment resection on muscle strength and postoperative function in soft-tissue sarcoma of the thigh

Objective To predict the muscle strength and postoperative function for soft-tissue sarcoma arising from the adductor compartment of the thigh. Methods Between 2003 and 2019, 17 cases that underwent resection of the adductor muscle group (adductor longus, adductor magnus, adductor brevis, gracilis and pectineus) for soft-tissue sarcoma in the adductor compartment of the thigh were included. The muscle strength was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer for the knee joint and with a hand-held dynamometer for the hip joint (ratio of affected to unaffected side). The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score, Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions and maximum walking speed were used to assess postoperative function and examine correlations with muscle strength. Results In 13 cases that underwent an isolated resection of the adductor compartment, reduced adduction strength correlated with increased number of resected muscles in the adductor muscle group (P < 0.001). Postoperative function was maintained, showing no correlations with adduction strength. In four cases that underwent combined resections of other compartments, a decrease was observed in adduction strength as well as the muscle strength of other resected muscles, in addition to a decline in postoperative function. In the 4 or 5 adductor muscle resection group, the comparison between isolated and combined resection revealed comparable results for adduction strength but a significant decrease in postoperative function for the combined resection group. Conclusions Postoperative function can be preserved for isolated adductor compartment resection. Combined resections of multiple muscles in other compartments and most adductor muscles may result in decreased postoperative function. Postoperative function can be preserved for isolated adductor compartment resection. However, combined resections of multiple muscles in other compartments and most adductor muscles may result in decreased postoperative function.