Lower limb fractures in adult patients with residua of poliomyelitis

Abstract

Few studies have been published in the literature regarding fractures of limbs in patients with poliomyelitis. We have conducted a retrospective study from 1992 to 2004 in order to present our data on fractures of lower limbs in adult patients with residua of poliomyelitis. During the thirteen-year period under study, only eight fractures of the lower limbs in seven patients were observed. There were three males and four females with a mean age of 42.6 years at the time of the injury. Fractures were caused by moderate trauma in four patients and severe trauma in three. Six patients were walking while one used wheelchair before the injury. The femur was the bone injured in all cases. Treatment performed in four patients consisted of surgical operation. However although the small number of patients remains the primary limitation of this investigation, the patients constitute a homogeneous group which is representative of the condition in respect of the location of fractures and mechanism. We think that in our medical environment, despite the influence of traditional bonesetters, every effort should be made to maintain the patient's independence by surgical treatment of displaced femoral fractures in adults with residua of poliomyelitis. This can allow for a quick return to the pre-injury level.

Keywords:adult, fracture, lower limb, poliomyelitis

Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 48(3) 2005: 67-69