Orthopedic management of foot deformities due to poliomyelitis sequelae

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of surgical approaches to foot deformities due to poliomyelitis sequelae. Methods: This observational, retrospective, descriptive study included adult patients with poliomyelitis sequelae who underwent surgical correction of foot deformities. Functional assessment was performed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, applied descriptively during postoperative follow-up. Demographic and clinical variables, type of deformity, surgical procedures, and postoperative functional scores were analyzed without formal comparisons among techniques. Postoperative followup ranged from 12 to 48 months (mean, 27 months), and preoperative AOFAS scores were unavailable. Results: Ten patients were included, with a mean age of 55.3 years; most were men. Procedures included panarthrodesis, ankle arthrodesis, midtarsal arthrodesis with soft-tissue procedures, talectomy, and arthrodesis using the Ilizarov method. AOFAS scores ranged from 56 to 83 points, with a mean of 72.5. Overall postoperative functional status was satisfactory, with good results in pain, stability, and alignment, although sagittal and hindfoot mobility remained restricted, particularly after arthrodesis. The highest AOFAS score was observed after panarthrodesis, whereas the lowest scores were observed after talectomy. Three cases of superficial skin necrosis and one case of delayed union of the tibiotarsal arthrodesis were recorded; none required reoperation. Conclusion: Surgical treatment resulted in overall satisfactory postoperative functional status in this case series. Findings should be interpreted descriptively due to the absence of preoperative AOFAS scores, small sample size, and heterogeneity of deformities and techniques. Surgical individualization was relevant, but further comparative studies with larger sample sizes are required. Level of evidence III; Therapeutic, Retrospective Study