Hip and knee flexion contracture after poliomyelitis.

New cases of acute poliomyelitis continue to occur in many areas of the world and are often followed by the development of hip and knee flexion contractures in those who survive. Thorough understanding of the anatomy of the fascia lata and iliotibial band, and of the pathology involved in their contracture, is a necessity for the intelligent treatment of this condition. Operative treatment, to be adequate, must release all contracted structures and must be followed by a method of gaining and sustaining full extension.