Rehabilitation Following Orthopaedic Surgery in Children with Bone Tumors

Bone tumors and associated interventions can lead to a decrease in a child’s function in areas of mobility and activities of daily living. The degree of impairment can vary from complete dependence for these activities to subtle biomechanical changes that limit extracurricular participation. Rehabilitation efforts are directed at restoration of function and quality of life in children with new functional impairments. This chapter discusses the initial functional evaluation, the functional impact of different surgical interventions, the functional impact of chemotherapy and radiation, and functional considerations as the child ages. Some of the available rehabilitation options including prosthetics, bracing, therapy, and equipment are reviewed as well as the recommended education for families and patients regarding the rehabilitation process.