Role of leg lengthening and foot stabilization on gait in single leg post-polio paralytic patients

Twenty two patients (14 males and 8 females) of post-polio paralytic (ppp) involving one lower limb only,were selected for studying the outcome of leg lengthening and foot stabilization on gait. the cosmetic and functional improvements were evaluated preoperative and post-operative gait analysis was performed. limb lengthening was done by distraction osteogenesis through na (naseer-awais) and foot stabilization by triple fusion/pantalar fusion. finally 14 cases were rated as good and 5 fair. it was observed that locally made naseer-awais fixator is cost-effective and well tolerated by the patients. surgery has significant role on gait in single leg ppp patients. there is need for a proper gait analysis laboratory to plan the treatment of disabled patients.