Case study 238 | Slimmer’s Palsy AKA Peroneal Neuropathy | Explained by neurosurgeon Dr Betsy Grunch
Description: Case Study 238 – Slimmer’s Palsy
Ever heard of a foot drop that shows up after significant weight loss? Meet “slimmer’s palsy.”
The common peroneal nerve wraps around the outside of the knee at the fibular head - one of the most exposed spots in the body. It’s normally cushioned by a small fat pad. Rapid weight loss can thin that padding, leaving the nerve vulnerable to compression. The result? Weakness lifting the foot (foot drop), a high-stepping gait, and numbness over the top of the foot and outer shin.
The good news: many cases improve with conservative care - offloading the pressure, an ankle-foot orthosis, and PT. Diagnosis is confirmed with a nerve conduction study/EMG.
#casestudy238 #Neurosurgery #FootDrop #ladyspinedoc #sundaycasestudy Close description
Ever heard of a foot drop that shows up after significant weight loss? Meet “slimmer’s palsy.”
The common peroneal nerve wraps around the outside of the knee at the fibular head - one of the most exposed spots in the body. It’s normally cushioned by a small fat pad. Rapid weight loss can thin that padding, leaving the nerve vulnerable to compression. The result? Weakness lifting the foot (foot drop), a high-stepping gait, and numbness over the top of the foot and outer shin.
The good news: many cases improve with conservative care - offloading the pressure, an ankle-foot orthosis, and PT. Diagnosis is confirmed with a nerve conduction study/EMG.
#casestudy238 #Neurosurgery #FootDrop #ladyspinedoc #sundaycasestudy Close description