Surgical Options for Drop Foot

The inability to elevate the foot's front portion indicates a drop foot (or foot drop). This abnormal condition may seriously reduce mobility and quality of life. But don’t worry - there are many surgical options for drop foot.

Physical therapy and braces are standard non-surgical therapies. However, they may not always be enough to relieve the problem. Nowadays, surgical options for drop foot are feasible. They provide a long-term means of restoring function and enhancing gait.

Elevate Movement describes the fundamental surgical options for drop foot so you can eliminate this discomfort and enjoy life to the fullest!

What is Drop Foot?

Foot drop is the consequence of paralysis or weakening in the muscles that elevate the foot. This may result in:

• Irregular gait
• Difficulty walking
• Frequent stumbling due to nerve injuries
• Neurological abnormalities
• Muscular injury

It depends on your foot drop’s condition - whether you need non-surgical or surgical treatment to alleviate these symptoms.

Surgical Options for Drop Foot

The following are the fundamental surgical options for drop foot:

Tendon Transfer Surgery

Tendon transfer surgery is a popular and successful surgical therapy for drop foot. During this treatment, the non-functional tendons that cause foot dorsiflexion (or elevating the foot) are replaced by transplanting a healthy tendon from another area of the foot or leg.

The posterior tibial tendon is used in many cases of foot drop since its function is retained.

Bridle Procedure

In more complicated cases, the surgeons use the Bridle procedure. This entails moving the anterior tibialis and peroneus longus tendons to cooperate with the posterior tibial tendon, which is moved to the front of the ankle.

The idea is to set up something like a bridle that pulls the foot upward and back into regular operation.

Nerve Decompression Surgery

Nerve decompression surgery is very beneficial if foot drop is due to nerve entrapment, such as in cases of peroneal nerve compression.

Pressure is released during this surgery by eliminating any surrounding tissues that may be compressing the afflicted nerve. This procedure may help restore the ability to elevate the foot by enhancing nerve function.

Fusion Surgery

Fusion surgery is considered in extreme instances of drop foot if there is a considerable deformity or instability. This operation fuses the bones in the ankle or foot to enhance foot posture and stabilize the joint.

Fusion surgery is a potential choice for individuals with a complicated stage of drop foot. It may alleviate discomfort and improve stability, even if it restricts the range of motion.

Post-Op Recovery and Rehabilitation

The length of recovery after drop foot surgery varies according to the technique used. The foot is usually immobilized in a cast or splint following surgery to preserve the freshly transplanted or repaired tendons.

Depending on the procedure, recovery might take several weeks to several months. Physical therapy is essential during this time. To support the foot while it heals, assistive technology is used, such as:

• Orthotics
• Braces

Also, read ‘What is multiplanar support?’.

The Bottom Line

When conservative therapy fails to relieve a patient's drop foot symptoms, surgical options for drop foot become the ray of light. These operations are meant to improve gait, foot function, and overall quality of life. Patients should discuss these possibilities with their medical professionals to choose the best surgical course of action for their unique situation.

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