Foot Drop: The Importance of Imaging as Part of the Peripheral Nerve Evaluation

Abstract

including spasticity and hyperreflexia. In this review, we describe many different causes of common peroneal neuropathy, and how an overly simplistic diagnostic process could impact patient workup and outcomes. Some of these scenarios represent potential misses of various pathologic entities, which can be avoided with knowledge of different pathologies that result in foot drop and by using various imaging modalities to differentiate these lesions. We believe that high-resolution imaging [either MRI and/or ultrasound (US)] should be performed not only to help localize the lesion but also to define it. 4