PROGNOSIS OF PARTIAL FOOT DROP DUE TO L4-5 DISC PROLAPSE AFTER SURGICAL TREATMENT

Abstract

Disc herniation at L4-L5 produces pain radiating down the posterolateral aspect of the thigh and leg. The extensor hallucis longus muscle is weak, and in more severe cases, weakness of the foot extension can be demonstrated when the patient is asked to walk on his heels with the toes pointing upward. Foot drop is a common problem in patients with lumber disc disease. Patients with partial foot drop are highly indicated for surgical treatment. Conventional discectomy is still the golden rule upon which any new modality of treatment is compared. In our study, standard open discectomy was done in 5 0 cases with partial foot drop. Sensory affection was detected in (72%).(52%) of the· cases had muscle power grade 4, and (48%) had muscle power grade 3. excellent and good results were achieved in (70%) of the cases , as (70%) showed improvement of muscle weakness after surgical treatment . Chances of recovery are better when the preoperative duration of muscle weakness <3 months. The principles of surgical treatment was based on freeing of a nerve root from encroachment. The nerve should be freely mobile and should remain undamaged.