Fibular shortening in poliomyelitis

Abstract

This study arose from observation that in children with leg shortening from paralysis, the relationship between the tibia and fibula is disturbed. This article analyses 76 patients of post polio residual paralysis involving only one lower limb. Sixteen patients had fibular shortening. Several factors that interfere with fibular growth, i.e. anatomical continuity, soleus strength, abnormal forces at distal fibular physis, result in fibular shortening. Early the age at onset of paralysis, more is the fibular shortening which is associated with lateral wedging of distal tibial epiphysis, valgus at ankle, external torsion of tibia and genu valgus.