Demographic and Clinical Profile of Post-polio Residual Paralysis Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India: A Retrospective Study

Abstract Objectives: To study demographic and clinical characteristics of post-polio residual survivors presenting in a polio clinic at a tertiary care hospital in the capital city of India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation by reviewing case records of post-polio residual paralysis patients attending the polio clinic for 3 years, i.e. June 2011–May 2014. Basic demographic details and socioeconomic status of the patient were collected. Clinical details relating to residual paralysis, limb length discrepancy, deformities, ambulatory status and devised customised plan for each patient were analysed. Results: Forty-five patients with a mean age of 26.5 ± 12.92 years with male: female of 1.36:1 presented mainly with involvement of lower limbs. The right lower limb was most commonly involved and seen in 22 patients (48.8%) with knee flexion deformity as most frequently observed in 24 patients (53.33%). Almost two-third of patients were ambulating without assistance. Nineteen patients (42.22%) required surgical method for correction of deformity. Conclusion: Post-polio survivors experience varied musculoskeletal complications affecting their activities of daily living. Optimal holistic rehabilitation including surgical correction is needed for prevention and reduction of negative health outcomes.