[Acquired foot drop]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2024 May 16:168:D7865.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

A dropping foot is the consequence of a variety of debilitating conditions and is oftentimes treated conservatively by general practitioners and other specialists. Typically, it is caused by peroneal nerve palsy secondary to compression or a hernia nucleosipulpei at the level L4-L5. Identifying the underlying pathology requires a neurological work-up oftentimes including ultrasound and electromyographic investigation. When a peroneal nerve compression is found, decompression can be achieved operatively. Should the underlying cause of the dropping foot have been treated adequately without an effect on the foot itself, then a posterior tibial tendon transfer may be considered. Generally, a posterior tibial tendon transfer has good outcomes for the treatment of dropping foot although it is partly dependent on the physiotherapy that accompanies it.

Publication types

  • Review
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Decompression, Surgical / methods
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Peroneal Neuropathies* / etiology
  • Tendon Transfer / methods
  • Treatment Outcome