Polio Deformity Correction
Surgical correction of limb deformities caused by polio.
Poliomyelitis can leave lasting muscle weakness or paralysis in an affected limb, even long after the original infection has resolved. Over years, this muscle imbalance often leads to progressive joint deformities and instability, as unaffected muscles overpower the weakened ones. Correcting these deformities usually involves rebalancing the limb's mechanics, not just addressing the joint itself.
Types
Foot Drop
Weakness in the muscles that lift the foot, causing the foot to drag or slap down while walking.
Fixed Flexion Contracture
A joint becomes permanently bent due to prolonged muscle imbalance, most commonly at the hip or knee.
Paralytic Joint Instability
A joint becomes loose or prone to dislocation because the muscles that normally stabilise it are weakened.
Limb Length Discrepancy
The affected limb grows more slowly than the unaffected side, leading to a noticeable length difference over time.
Equinus Deformity
The ankle becomes fixed in a downward-pointing position due to calf muscle imbalance.
Common Causes
Polio-related deformities develop gradually, driven by the muscle imbalance left behind after the initial infection rather than by any new injury.
- Residual muscle paralysis - certain muscle groups remain permanently weakened after the polio infection.
- Muscle imbalance - stronger, unaffected muscles gradually pull joints out of their normal position over years.
- Growth in childhood - in children with residual weakness, normal growth can worsen an existing imbalance if untreated.
- Untreated contractures - joints held in one position for long periods gradually lose their normal range of movement.
- Compensatory gait patterns - years of walking to compensate for weakness can place abnormal stress on other joints.
Signs and Symptoms
- Visible muscle wasting or weakness in the affected limb
- A joint that is fixed in a bent or abnormal position
- An abnormal or unstable gait, especially when walking or climbing stairs
- Noticeable shortening of the affected limb over time
- Difficulty with tasks that require strength in the weakened muscles
Diagnosis
Assessment includes a detailed examination of muscle strength across the limb, the range of movement in each joint, and the pattern of walking. X-rays show the bone and joint alignment, and gait analysis can help clarify exactly how the muscle imbalance is affecting movement before planning treatment.
Treatment Approach
Treatment is tailored to which muscles are affected and how the imbalance has changed the limb over time. Tendon transfer surgery - moving a working tendon to substitute for a paralysed one - is a common approach for restoring function. Fixed contractures may need surgical release, unstable joints may need stabilisation procedures, and significant limb length differences may need corrective surgery. Calipers and orthotic devices are often used alongside surgery, both before and after, to support the limb during treatment. Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna evaluates the full pattern of weakness and deformity before recommending the right combination of treatment.
Please note: This page is for general information only and does not replace a proper medical evaluation. Every case is different, and the underlying cause of your symptoms may not match what is described here. Please do not use this page to self-diagnose - consult Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna or another qualified orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis specific to you.
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Last reviewed: August 2026