Foot Drop Flashcards
1
Q
Differentiating L5 nerve root lesion from common peroneal palsy
A
Common to both:
- weak ankle dorsiflexion and dorsiflexion of big toe and eversion-> high stepping gait, foot orthotics, scuffed shoe
- ankle jerk preserved
- sensory loss over lateral calf and dorsum of foot
L5 nerve root lesion:
- Ankle inversion affected
- Hip abduction affected
- Straight leg raise affected
- Sensory loss can extend up to lateral thigh
- Inner hamstring jerk depressed
In common peroneal palsy:
Wasting of anterolateral calf
2
Q
Causes of foot drop
A
- Cauda equina: tumour
- Lumbosacral plexus: pelvic pathology, DM
- Sciatic nerve palsy:pelvic surgery, trauma
- L5 nerve root: L4/5 disc prolapse
- LMN: various motor neuropathies, MND, common peroneal palsy from extrinsic compression or mononeuritis multiplex of various causes
- Neuromuscular Jcn: MG
- Muscle: distal myopathies ie myotonic dystrophy, trauma, spinal muscular atrophy
