Functional outcome after lengthening with and without deformity correction in polio patients

Poliomyelitis is one of the causes of limb length discrepancy. The aim of lengthening and deformity correction in such patients is to improve the functional mobility of the patient. This study aims to find out whether or not improvement of limb length inequality with or without deformity correction affects or improves ambulation. This prospective study included 32 skeletally mature patients managed using the Ilizarov technique and external fixation for limb lengthening with or without deformity correction. Functional Mobility Scale scoring was used for assessment of ambulation before lengthening and at the final follow-up. The average duration of follow-up was 2 years and 9 months. Lengthening alone did not change the Functional Mobility Scale score. While lengthening associated with deformity correction improved the mobility scale at 5 m only (in the house), it had no effect on the 50 and 500 m score.