Fascia Lata Transfer to the Erector Spinae for the Treatment of Flexion-Abduction Contractures of the Hip in Patients with Poliomyelitis and Meningomyelocele

EVALUATION OF RESULTS

¹ From the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State University of Iowa, Iowa City

Twenty patients with hip-flexion contractures related to the residua of poliomyelitis and nine patients with similar contractures secondary to meningomyelocele were treated by transferring the fascia lata to the erector spinae muscle. In many of these patients, tight structures anterior to the hip were released concomitantly. The operation was found to be an effective procedure for relief of hip flexion and abduction deformity and of lumbar lordosis. This relief appeared to be permanent. Better results were obtained when the fascia lata transfer to the erector spinae was combined with an anterior release at the hip.

Most patients with dislocated or subluxated hips were improved and their hips became more stable.

No significant degree of improvement was observed in the extensor or abductor power of the hip. Few of the patients were able to discard any part of their braces or their crutches. The operation appeared to produce a dynamic fasciodesis. Relief of hip-flexion contracture, stabilization of the hip, and relief of lumbar lordosis resulted in a better stance and easier gait. The operation was as effective in patients with meningomyclocele as in those with residua of poliomyclitis.

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