Peroneal Nerve (Foot Drop)

Inability to lift the foot and toes upward due to peroneal nerve damage at the lateral knee (foot drop).

H18 Topic Guide

Peripheral Nerve Surgery

This hub page brings together 8 conditions under Peripheral Nerve Surgery. Use it to move from overview content to the relevant disease detail pages.

Open topic guide

1Overview

Quick and clear information for patients

What is this Condition?

The peroneal nerve passes superficially on the outer side of the knee, just below the bone (fibular head). Due to its superficial location in this area, it is highly vulnerable to trauma and compression. When damaged, the most characteristic result is the inability to lift the foot and toes upward, called foot drop. Individuals with foot drop walk with an exaggerated lifting of the knee and hip to prevent the foot from dragging, resembling a rooster gait. The most common causes are prolonged leg-crossing while sitting, knee fractures and surgeries, cast pressure, rapid weight loss, and certain lumbar herniations. Recovery varies depending on the type and severity of nerve damage; mild compression injuries usually recover spontaneously.

Symptoms

Inability to lift the foot and toes upward (foot drop)

Foot dragging while walking and exaggerated knee/hip lifting (rooster gait)

Weakness in foot eversion, tendency for frequent ankle inversion injuries

Numbness and tingling on the dorsum of foot and lateral-anterior leg

Muscle atrophy in anterior leg muscles in prolonged cases

Typically minimal pain (complaints are mainly weakness and numbness)

Diagnosis Methods

Diagnosis begins with physical examination; the strength of foot dorsiflexion, gait pattern, and sensation over the dorsum of the foot are evaluated. An important clue is preserved plantar flexion strength, which indicates that the problem originates from peroneal nerve compression. Since it can be confused with L5 nerve root compression due to lumbar disc herniation, the presence of leg pain is investigated. The location and severity of the lesion are determined by EMG and nerve conduction studies. If needed, lumbar or leg MRI and ultrasound are used to investigate the cause of compression (cyst, mass, disc herniation).

Treatment Methods

Treatment is planned according to the cause and severity of the lesion and generally begins with a non-surgical approach. First, the factor compressing the nerve is eliminated (avoiding crossing legs, loosening casts, correcting positioning). An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) that supports the ankle and makes walking safe can be used; physical therapy prevents joint stiffness and strengthens muscles. If recovery does not occur within a certain period, if there is progressive damage, or if the nerve is completely severed, surgical options are evaluated: nerve decompression, nerve repair/transfer, or tendon transfer in permanent cases. The method is selected according to the patient.

Elimination of the factor compressing the nerve (correction of sitting position-posture, loosening of cast)

Safe ambulation with ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) and physical therapy

Surgical decompression or nerve repair/transfer (in appropriate cases)

Tendon transfer for functional improvement in permanent foot drop

References

Greenberg MS. Handbook of Neurosurgery. 10th ed. Thieme; 2023:563-565.
Greenberg MS. Handbook of Neurosurgery. 10th ed. Thieme; 2023:564.
Greenberg MS. Handbook of Neurosurgery. 10th ed. Thieme; 2023:1707.
Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2011:2435-2436.
Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2011:2436, 2513.

This content is based on academic sources and is for general information only; individual assessment requires a medical examination.

Bu Sayfayı Paylaşın

Bilgilendirici içeriği sevdiklerinizle paylaşın

Looking for Another Condition?

Search among 134 neurosurgical conditions

All Disease Categories

23 categories, 134 neurosurgical conditions

🧠

Contact and Appointment

Dr. Özgür Akşan

Phone

+90 (232) 404 00 61

+90 (532) 414 35 35

[email protected]

Address

Ziya Gökalp Bulvarı No:28, 35220 Alsancak, Konak/İzmir
35220 Konak/İzmir

Website

www.drozguraksan.com

Book Online Appointment Contact via WhatsApp

Browse Other Conditions

Dr. Özgür Akşan

Brain & Nerve Surgery

Book an appointment for detailed information and personalized treatment plan.

Book Appointment

Related Department

Peripheral Nerve Surgery

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel and peripheral nerve injuries.

Send Your MRI Images

Get a free preliminary evaluation via EmarYolla.com.

Send MRI →

Our Services

Comprehensive Neurosurgery Services - A·B·C·H

Academy

BVSpedia

"Making medical knowledge free, open and accessible to everyone"

Departments

Specialty Areas

Main departments:

See All 16 Departments

Treatments

Surgical Techniques

Popular Surgeries:

See All Surgeries

Diseases

134 Neurosurgical

Most Searched:

See All 134 Diseases

What kind of help do you need?

Book Appointment Frequently Asked Questions

Peripheral Nerve Surgery - Other Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

🏠Home 📋All Conditions 🏥Peripheral Nerve Surgery 📞Contact

Need help?

Book an appointment for expert evaluation.

Book Appointment Contact via WhatsApp

← Back to All Conditions Peripheral Nerve Surgery View Page →

Peroneal Nerve (Foot Drop)

Peripheral Nerve Surgery

1Overview

What is this Condition?

Symptoms

Diagnosis Methods

Treatment Methods

References

Bu Sayfayı Paylaşın

Looking for Another Condition?

All Disease Categories

Brain Tumors

Spine Surgery

Vascular

Pediatric

Functional

Trauma

Pain Treatment

See All

Contact and Appointment

Browse Other Conditions

Dr. Özgür Akşan

Related Department

Peripheral Nerve Surgery

Send Your MRI Images

Our Services

Academy

Departments

Treatments

Diseases

YOU ARE HERE

Peripheral Nerve Surgery - Other Conditions

Need help?

Bu Sayfayı Paylaşın