Management of orthopaedic problems from the 1962 epidemic of poliomyelitis in Guyana

ABSTRACT

A brief study has been made of the problems that presented at the Polio Rehabilitation Centre following a polio epidemic in 1962 in Guyana. These problems presented in 1966, when the Centre was opened, allowing a period of four years to elapse. 219 cases have been followed up and treated. 149 surgical operations were performed, 113 patients required bracing and as can be imagined the physiotherapy department had a full-time job with all of these patients. Treatment was aimed at early ambulation and this purpose has been achieved. It has not been possible in this paper to go into detailed study of any of the operations done, but it is hoped that other papers will follow which will give some idea as to the practical value of many of these operations (AU)