Poliomyelitis

a viral disease caused mainly by poliovirus but sometimes also by coxsackievirus or echovirus. For a general description, see poliomyelitis.

Patients with poliomyelitis generally have a minor illness with stiff neck and involvement of the central nervous system, followed by paralysis, muscle contraction and deformity.

Children with poliomyelitis may develop a pes cavus deformity due to altered muscle function and stress.

Premature closure of the growth plate in the feet and knees occurs in some patients with this disease.

An unusual form of diffuse lipomatosis may develop in the leg in persons with poliomyelitis; enlargement of the bones and diffuse infiltration of fat into the subcutaneous tissues, muscle, fascia and bone are seen.

Scoliosis has been seen in patients with poliomyelitis but is no longer common.