Abductor paralysis and the role of the external oblique transfer

Hip abductor paralysis leads to gait abnormalities and to hip instability. Correction of abductor paralysis was first done by Mustard in patients with poliomyelitis and later adapted by Sharrard for patients with a myelomeningocele. The Mustard-Sharrard procedure is technically difficult, with strict indications for patient selection. By contrast, the external oblique transfer of Thompson has broad applicability and is a relatively simple operative procedure. This is a preliminary report of 37 external oblique transfers performed on poliomyelitic patients. The patient satisfaction rate is 89% and none of the patients who wore a pelvic band preoperatively required one postoperatively. While average followup is only nine months, this report supports the earlier work by Thompson. The procedure is successful in poliomyelitic patients and may also be appropriate for myelodysplastic patients.