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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Foot Drop Post Back Surgery?

My husband had back surgery two years ago and now has foot drop. Not sure if the damage was actually a result of him waiting too long for the back surgery (fused 5 vertebrae) and this caused the foot drop or if it was actually a direct result of the surgery. This condition is limiting him and his active lifestyle. We would like to see if there is something else that could be done for him besides braces. Not sure what kind of doctor he should see - neurologist, Orthapeadic, ?
Wed, 13 Apr 2016
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Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist 's  Response
hi,

thank you for providing the brief history of your husband. It is sad to hear he has foot drop.

now the first question arises in my mind is - was the foot drop present before the surgery?

Second question arises - was the foot drop present as soon as the surgery was performed?

Now to understand the case we need the whole lot of understanding from you and your husband. Also, why did he undergo the spinal fusion? was it a pain radiating due to disc degenerative change or was it due to any accident?

Understanding all these questions takes sometime and also help us to help you further

Now only by few words of history some help can be provided. Since he is having a foot drop now, then you need to first take the three important tests.
1. MRI of lumbar spine
2. NCV study for lower limb nerves
3. EMG study for lower limb muscles

Based on understanding these reports the next plan can be made.

Also, if the nerve is severely pinched in the lumbar spine then the immediate relief of it has to be done.

Next , if the nerve is damage while performing the surgery then physical therapist will help you by use of the electrical stimulation for reactivation of the nerve and muscles to achieve the movement again..

If you can provide the thorough detail I can surely help assist further and let you know your husband can be helped further to get the movement of the ankle back.

till I have seen cases with foot drop, we have taken the whole lot of summary and understanding that what could be the possibility cause and what can be the best help done to regain the movements.

My personal experience helped me to get 99% success rate in such cases. but without having the full history it is really tough to help in detail.

Hope you will provide the detailed history so I can look into the case in specific and then help you guide for getting the movement back of ankle.

Regards
Jay Indravadan Patel
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What Causes Foot Drop Post Back Surgery?

hi, thank you for providing the brief history of your husband. It is sad to hear he has foot drop. now the first question arises in my mind is - was the foot drop present before the surgery? Second question arises - was the foot drop present as soon as the surgery was performed? Now to understand the case we need the whole lot of understanding from you and your husband. Also, why did he undergo the spinal fusion? was it a pain radiating due to disc degenerative change or was it due to any accident? Understanding all these questions takes sometime and also help us to help you further Now only by few words of history some help can be provided. Since he is having a foot drop now, then you need to first take the three important tests. 1. MRI of lumbar spine 2. NCV study for lower limb nerves 3. EMG study for lower limb muscles Based on understanding these reports the next plan can be made. Also, if the nerve is severely pinched in the lumbar spine then the immediate relief of it has to be done. Next , if the nerve is damage while performing the surgery then physical therapist will help you by use of the electrical stimulation for reactivation of the nerve and muscles to achieve the movement again.. If you can provide the thorough detail I can surely help assist further and let you know your husband can be helped further to get the movement of the ankle back. till I have seen cases with foot drop, we have taken the whole lot of summary and understanding that what could be the possibility cause and what can be the best help done to regain the movements. My personal experience helped me to get 99% success rate in such cases. but without having the full history it is really tough to help in detail. Hope you will provide the detailed history so I can look into the case in specific and then help you guide for getting the movement back of ankle. Regards Jay Indravadan Patel