Flexion of the knee in poliomyelitis. Results and indications for femoral and tibial osteotomies

Of 62 patients with a fixed flexion deformity of the knee due to poliomyelitis, 36 were treated by femoral osteotomy and 26 by tibial osteotomy. Their ages ranged between 10 and 30 years, with an average of 16. In 37 of the patients other procedures were also performed. The aim of operation was to enable walking in 6 patients, to allow walking without, or with smaller, calipers in 21, and to allow walking without additional help in 35. These objectives were usually achieved; failure was due to technical error or to lack of appreciation of residual muscle power. The operation is indicated for flexion deformities of less than 30 degrees, and as an adjunct to other procedures. The level of osteotomy is decided from lateral radiographs taken before operation.