Foot Drop in Orthopaedic Surgery: Anatomy, Etiology, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment

Authors

Katherine Dong, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Justin L. Reyes, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Michael A. Mastroianni, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Josephine R. Coury, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Riley Sevensky, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Fthimnir M. Hassan, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Joseph M. Lombardi, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Charles A. Popkin, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Bonnie Y. Chien, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Lawrence G. Lenke, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Zeeshan M. Sardar, Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-22-2025

Publication Title

JBJS Reviews

Abstract

» Foot drop is a problem encountered by orthopaedic surgeons from various subspecialties. The etiology can vary from the lower extremity to the spine and can be managed conservatively depending on functional limitations. Common nonsurgical interventions include ankle-foot orthoses, physical therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, and activity modification. Surgical options vary between nerve decompression and lower extremity tendon transfers. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the anatomy, etiology, diagnoses, and treatment options of foot drop.

PubMed ID

40403122

Volume

13

Issue

5

Recommended Citation

Dong, Katherine; Reyes, Justin L.; Mastroianni, Michael A.; Coury, Josephine R.; Sevensky, Riley; Hassan, Fthimnir M.; Lombardi, Joseph M.; Popkin, Charles A.; Chien, Bonnie Y.; Lenke, Lawrence G.; and Sardar, Zeeshan M., "Foot Drop in Orthopaedic Surgery: Anatomy, Etiology, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment" (2025). School of Medicine Faculty Publications. 3825.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/som_facpubs/3825
10.2106/JBJS.RVW.24.00170