OBJECTIVE: This study investigated direct costs attributed to rehabilitation treatment of poliomyelitis among Pakistani patients and reported its duration along with the socioeconomic status of poliomyelitis survivors.
CONCLUSION: The cost of poliomyelitis rehabilitation in Pakistan is high; it has an economic effect on the lives of patients and their families. Despite good education, polio survivors in Pakistan appear to have low socioeconomic status, lower chances of employment and marriage, as well as fewer children. Further research is recommended to explore the burden of disease on society, i.e., indirect costs and suffering.
METHODS: We report a case of a 49-year-old lady with history of poliomyelitis with resultant flaccid paralysis of the involved limb.
RESULTS: The bone mineral density revealed asymmetrical severe osteoporosis in the poliomyelitic limb. Given the risk of falls and fractures, she was commenced on oral bisphosphonate therapy.
CONCLUSION: Poliomyelitis is an important acquired risk factor for regional osteoporosis. This condition should be detected and treated in this cohort of patients who are clearly at higher risk of fractures.