Management of dropfoot in adults

Literature review

Abstract

Dropfoot is a common problem, this term is used to describe an equine ankle, varus/valgus. In the adult, this deformity may be acquired or congenital, may result from anterior compartment syndrome, peroneal nerve palsy, sciatic nerve injury, secondary to lumbar spine disease or neuromuscular diseases such as Charcot Marie Tooth or polio. The acquired deformity is secondary to a dysfunction of the dorxiflex muscles of the foot, located in the anterior compartment of the leg. This deformity can be flexible or rigid, depending on the time of the lesion and association with other diseases. Appropriate treatment includes use of orthesis, rehabilitation, neurolysis, tendon transfer, and finally arthrodesis. If there is no recovery potential, tendon transfer should be considered, the ideal candidate, to ensure a successful outcome, must have an ankle without degenerative changes, minimal deformity and at least a muscle strength of 4/5 according to the Daniels scale; If the prerequisites are not met, an ankle arthrodesis must be performed. This literature review focuses on the traumatic etiology and surgical treatment of the acquired adult dropfoot.