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Foot Drop Surgery Techniques

Foot drop is a condition characterized by the inability to lift the front part of the foot due to a problem affecting the muscles that control the lifting of the front of the foot. Foot drop is typically a symptom of an underlying condition, and is therefore treated through orthotic devices such as leg braces. In the event that the foot drop has become severe enough to the point where mobility is completely impaired, a variety of surgical options and techniques are available.

  1. Causes and Symptoms

    • Foot drop can be caused by a variety of things. Specific causes include: muscle or nerve damage, often occurring from damage to the nerves of the lower spine, damage after knee or hip replacement surgery, and sitting with your legs crossed for a prolong period of time; a disorder of the muscles or nerves, such as muscular dystrophy and compartment syndrome; a disorder affecting the central nervous system, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis; and reactions to certain drugs.

      In addition to the characteristic inability to lift the front part of the foot, foot drop may be associated with pain, numbness and weakness. When you walk, you may experience a steppage gait, which occurs when you try to compensate for the dragging of the foot by lifting the thigh as you walk.

    Surgical Techniques

    • Depending on the cause of the condition and its severity, surgery may be necessary to provide effective correction. Two possible surgical techniques involves the fusion of the ankle and foot joint and the transfer of a stronger tendon from the leg muscles.

      In the event that your foot drop is caused by compression on a spinal nerve by a herniated disc, a technique known as a discectomy, which involves removal of the offending disc to alleviate the pressure. Another possible surgical technique is nerve grafting, which is used when part of the nerve is torn. The affected portion is replaced with a healthy nerve.

      Dr. Nath, of the Texas Nerve and Paralysis Institute, has pioneered a new surgical technique known as a nerve transfer. This involves taking a portion of the tibial nerve (which assists in the pushing down of the foot) and rerouting it to the peroneal nerve (located just outside the shinbone and a major factor in foot drop) and additional power to the ankle to assist in the lifting up of the ankle.

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