Changes in Cancer Functional Assessment Set and Functional Independence Measure After Intradural Extramedullary Tumor Resection: A Case Report

Background and Purpose: The Cancer Functional Assessment Set (cFAS) was developed as a scale for assessing physical function specifically for cancer patients. It is a scale that allows for accurate assessment of physical functioning and the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions in cancer patients. Here we reported a case of the use of cFAS in rehabilitation after thoracic intradural extramedullary tumor resection. Case Description: A thoracic spine magnetic resonance imaging scan showed an intradural extramedullary tumor of Th6, which was resected. Postoperatively, the patient was transferred to the recovery unit of our hospital. The residual ataxia symptoms derived from posterior cord symptoms were characteristic of this case. Intervention: Using cFAS and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) as indices for evaluation, physical therapy was aimed at improving ataxic gait and occupational therapy was performed for impairment of activities of daily living. These treatments were performed for three hours a day during the hospitalization. Outcomes: Ataxic gait from position sense disturbance due to posterior compression of the spinal cord was present. The FIM (motor component) and cFAS at admission were 58 and 55 points, respectively. Rehabilitation was continued, and the FIM (motor component) and cFAS at discharge were 88 and 86 points, respectively, both showing improvement relative to admission. The patient was discharged 69 days after surgery. Discussion: Both cFAS and FIM improved after surgery with rehabilitation, reflecting improvement in activities of daily living during recovery from position sense disturbance. Previous cFAS studies had included gastrointestinal, pulmonary, brain, hematologic, genitourinary, genitourinary, head and neck cancers. cFAS may furthermore be a useful tool for assessing spinal cord tumors, particularly in the presence of posterior cord injury.