Telerehabilitation of a Patient Post-buttockectomy and Internal Hemipelvectomy Secondary to Pelvic Round Cell Sarcoma during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Report

Abstract

Pelvic sarcomas are rare malignancies that can result in extensive surgeries involving bone and soft tissue resection, which can greatly improve with rehabilitation. However, due to the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the rehabilitation of patients with pelvic sarcomas was affected. Limited information is also presented in the literature regarding the rehabilitation of patients with lower extremity surgeries undergoing telerehabilitation and during a pandemic. This study presents the rehabilitation process of a 43-year-old woman diagnosed with pelvic round cell sarcoma of the right gluteal area during the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient underwent wide excision, buttockectomy and internal hemipelvectomy, and we measured outcomes using the Tinetti assessment tool (TAT) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). A decreased risk of falls and improved functional performance were recorded using the TAT and LEFS respectively. Telerehabilitation was noted to have a good satisfaction rate among the patient and health workers.

Telerehabilitation may be an effective alternative to face-to-face therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. More studies are needed to look into the conduct of telerehabilitation intervention among patients with bone and soft tissue surgeries.