RESUMEN
Introduction: Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a recently described diagnosis that primarily impacts the pediatric population. It is characterized by profound proximal muscle weakness with resultant orthopedic manifestations similar to well-known neuromuscular conditions. While the incidence of AFM has been rising, management outcomes are understudied. Here, we describe the first known case of hip reconstruction in AFM. Case Report: A 5-year-old female presented with painful bilateral hip subluxations 2 years after being diagnosed with AFM. Imaging confirmed substantial uncovering of the femoral heads, right greater than left, with reduction on abduction views. Given the extent of her hip pathology and symptoms, she underwent bilateral Dega and varus derotational osteotomies with adductor lengthening, achieving a 35° correction in femoral neck angle and 30° reduction in femoral anteversion bilaterally. At 2 years postoperatively, she was asymptomatic without recurrence of hip displacement. Conclusion: Reconstructive femoral osteotomies can be effective for achieving painless, reduced hips in patients with AFM. Thus, surgeons may reasonably extrapolate current concepts utilized for other low-tone neuromuscular conditions to inform approach to AFM.
RESUMEN
The consequences of neurologic injuries related to transverse myelitis (TM) are long-lasting and require rehabilitative interventions in about two-thirds of cases. Because numerous neural repair mechanisms are dependent on maintenance of an optimal amount of activity both above and below the injury level, rehabilitation and exercise are useful not only for compensatory functional purposes but also as tools in neural system restoration. The application of established neurophysiologic principles to post-TM rehabilitation has substantial impact on optimizing residual functional capabilities while facilitating the processes of central plasticity and reorganization of sensory and motor programming. The process of neurorehabilitation thereby serves both to treat the patient with TM and to help physicians interrogate and dissect the mechanisms involved in spinal cord injury, neuroprotection, and, ultimately, recovery. Post-TM rehabilitation is lifelong and should be integrated into daily living in a home setting as part of the global management of paralysis, a chronic condition with significant comorbidities.
