Foot Drop Surgery

"Foot drop" describes the loss of the ability to raise your foot at the ankle, which contributes to difficulties with walking. There are many casues for this condition and the appearance of a "floppy" foot, but an injured peroneal nerve is a common cause. (The peroneal nerve feeds the tibialis anterior muscle, which is responsible for lifting the foot.)

A complete injury to the peroneal nerve high up in the thigh or spine area is usually permanent and surgery at the level of the injury does not help. However, a new treatment using nerve transfers from the adjacent tibial nerve has the potential to correct the problem.

Dr. Nath has pioneered the use of this surgical procedure for foot drop caused by hip replacement surgery and other injuries. The nerve transfer must be done within one year of the onset of the foot drop for best results.