QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Although the peroneal nerve is implicated in foot drop, the superficial branch is not. The superficial peroneal nerve supplies the lateral compartment of the lower leg and thus is responsible for eversion of the foot. The superficial peroneal nerve does not supply foot dorsiflexors, that function is fulfilled by fibres of the deep fibular nerve. Superficial peroneal nerve injury is therefore unlikely in this patient.
10000485
e
Superficial peroneal nerve
QuestionChoice
The tibial nerve is not implicated in foot drop presentations. The tibial nerve supplies the posterior muscle compartment of the lower leg which is responsible for plantarflexion of the foot. In this patient, dorsiflexion is impaired but plantarflexion is preserved. Furthermore, tibial nerve injury typically results in impaired sensation over the plantar aspect of the foot, not the dorsum. It is therefore unlikely this patient is experiencing tibial nerve damage.
10000484
d
Tibial nerve injury
QuestionChoice
Damage to the L3 nerve root is unlikely to produce foot drop. Typically L3 radiculopathies present with weakness of knee extension (quadriceps) as well as sensory loss over the knee and anterior thigh.
10000482
b
L3 radiculopathy
QuestionChoice
Common peroneal nerve lesions are the most common cause of foot drop. The common peroneal nerve gives off the deep fibular nerve which innervates the muscles of the anterior compartment. The anterior compartment muscles are responsible for dorsiflexion of the foot, and impaired innervation produces foot drop. The common peroneal nerve provides sensation to the lateral lower leg and dorsum of the foot. Risk factors for common peroneal nerve injury include trauma, surgical positioning, and certain sports that may compress the nerve at the fibular neck.
10000481
a
Common peroneal nerve injury
QuestionChoice
The common femoral nerve is the largest branch of the lumbar plexus and receives input from L2-4. Damage to the common femoral nerve results in impairment of the hip flexors and knee extenders but does not cause foot drop. Furthermore, common femoral nerve injury typically causes sensory impairment of the medial thigh, lower leg, and foot. It would not cause sensory impairment of the lateral aspect of the calf and dorsal foot.
10000483
c
Common femoral nerve injury
Concept
Chapter
2693
3773
Common peroneal nerve injury
Topic
145
Orthopaedics
12643
A 30-year-old female presents to General Practice with a 2-week history of difficulty walking. On examination, you note weakness of foot dorsiflexion and eversion as well as a foot-dropping gait. You also note reduced sensation over the lateral calf and dorsal aspect of the foot. The patient is a keen skier and recently returned from a skiing trip.

Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
a