Fractures in patients with poliomyelitis: Past or current challenge?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Fractures in poliomyelitic limbs present unique surgical challenges due to polio sequelae and morphological abnormalities.
• Conventional osteosynthesis is often difficult in these patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively analyze the outcomes of treating lower limb fractures in patients with a history of poliomyelitis.
• To compare functional and radiological results with those of non-poliomyelitic patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 62 patients with 73 lower limb fractures.
• Analysis of preinjury functional level, fracture etiology, pattern, treatment (conservative vs. surgical), and implants used.
• Surgical interventions were compared to standard orthopedic practices.

Main Results:

• 85.1% of fractures were treated surgically.
• 37.9% of patients maintained their pre-fracture functional level.
• 55.4% required mechanical aids post-fracture, and 6.8% lost ambulation.
• Atypical implants were sometimes necessary due to bone morphology.
• First-year mortality was 2.7%.

Conclusions:

• Surgical management of fractures in poliomyelitic limbs can achieve functional and radiological outcomes similar to those in non-poliomyelitic limbs.
• Careful consideration of bone morphology and potential need for specialized implants is crucial.
• Despite challenges, surgical intervention offers a viable treatment option for these complex fractures.