Which brace is indicated for post-poliomyelitis with residual paralysis in both legs?

• A. Dennis Browne Shoe
• B. Short Leg Brace
• C. Bilateral Long Leg Brace
• D. Unilateral Long Leg Brace

Answer: (C)

When both legs are affected by residual polio, you need a device that provides full support from thigh to foot on each leg to control the knee and ankle during standing and walking. A bilateral long leg brace spans the entire lower limb on both sides, forming knee-ankle-foot orthoses that stabilize the knees in extension and provide ankle control. This bilateral setup addresses the bilateral weakness directly, promoting a safer, more balanced gait and standing posture.

A unilateral long leg brace cannot correct or stabilize the opposite leg, leading to imbalance and an unsatisfactory gait. A short leg brace stops below the knee, leaving knee instability unaddressed. The Dennis Browne shoe is a specialized foot setup used in particular conditions and often as an adjunct, but it does not by itself provide the comprehensive bilateral knee and ankle support needed for paralysis in both legs.