Abductor paralysis and external oblique transfer.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Reconstructive surgery
• Pediatric orthopedics

Background:

• Hip abductor paralysis, often resulting from poliomyelitis, significantly impairs gait and mobility.
• Restoring hip abductor function is crucial for improving ambulatory function and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of external oblique muscle transfer in patients with hip abductor paralysis.
• To assess functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, and the reliability of a scoring system for predicting results.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 18 patients (5 male, 13 female) with poliomyelitis-induced hip abductor paralysis underwent external oblique muscle transfer.
• Patients were followed for an average of 5 years (range, 2-11 years) with gait analysis and a detailed scoring system.

Main Results:

• Seventeen patients demonstrated improved gait, with reduced limp and swaying, and enhanced long-distance walking ability.
• Nine patients achieved ambulation without assistive devices. Subjective improvement was noted in 16 patients, primarily due to aesthetic enhancement.
• The scoring system yielded 6 excellent, 6 good, 3 fair, and 3 poor results, correlating well with overall outcomes.

Conclusions:

• External oblique muscle transfer is an effective surgical option for hip abductor paralysis secondary to poliomyelitis.
• The procedure significantly improves gait, functional independence, and patient satisfaction.
• The developed scoring system serves as a valuable tool for predicting surgical outcomes in this patient population.