Recovery of Physical Capacity in the First Postoperative Year After Wedge Resection for Bone Tumor Metastases: An Observational Study

Objective: This study aims to describe the recovery of physical capacity in patients undergoing wedge resection for lung metastases from bone or soft tissue tumors, with a 12-month follow-up, and to identify prognostic factors influencing recovery. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted on 61 patients (median age 48 years; 45.9% female) who underwent wedge resection. The 1-minute Sit-to-Stand (1mSTS) test was administered preoperatively, on postoperative day 6, and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Pain, dyspnea, oxygen saturation, and heart rate were also recorded. A mixed-effects linear regression model was applied to analyze predictive factors. Results: The mean number of 1-minute Sit-to-Stand repetitions decreased significantly at 6 days post-surgery (mean reduction: −2.2 repetitions compared to preoperative values; P < .001), followed by substantial improvement at 3 months (+2.8 repetitions from preoperative) and stabilization thereafter. Patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≤2 and a single metastasis showed the best recovery; American Society of Anesthesiologists score >2 and single or multiple lesions were associated with reduced performance (−3.9 repetitions; P = .039). No significant differences were observed between the thoracotomy and thoracoscopy groups. Conclusions: Wedge resection for bone tumor metastases is associated with a specific recovery trajectory: initial decline, full recovery by 3 months, and stabilization up to 12 months. Preoperative clinical condition and lesion count are key prognostic factors. Extended rehabilitation programs may enhance outcomes in patients at higher risk.