Total knee replacement in a polio patient with prior extension osteotomy: a case report

Abstract

Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease characterized by a loss of motor neurons. Affected individuals usually suffer from many abnormalities predisposing them to degenerative joint disease. We report a case of a young male, with a history of poliomyelitis, distal femoral extension osteotomy and previous tendon transfer, suffering from severe knee pain. The patient underwent total knee arthroplasty with posterior stabilized Triathlon® for the femoral side reconstruction and Total-stabilizer Triathlon® for the tibia with short stem. At 2-year follow-up, his range-of-motion had improved, and he could walk without pain. This case report emphasizes the value of careful preoperative planning for a complex case with suitable implants and expecting realistic outcomes.