Ipsilateral Foot Drop and Erectile Dysfunction After the Use of a Traction Table in Intramedullary Femur Fixation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

TL;DR

A man developed foot drop and erectile dysfunction after using a traction table during femur surgery, highlighting potential nerve injuries.

Contribution

This case report highlights new insights into neurological complications from traction tables during orthopedic surgery.

Findings

Foot drop was likely caused by peroneal nerve injury during surgery.

Erectile dysfunction was attributed to pudendal nerve injury.

The case emphasizes the need for awareness of nerve-related complications from traction tables.

Abstract

This report presents a case of ipsilateral foot drop and erectile dysfunction following the use of a traction table during intramedullary femur fixation. The patient, a 39-year-old male, underwent surgery for a femur fracture using an intramedullary nail and was positioned on a traction table during the procedure. Post-operatively, he developed foot drop and erectile dysfunction. Neurological examination revealed peroneal nerve injury as the likely cause of the foot drop. The erectile dysfunction was attributed to pudendal nerve injury. Various treatment options were considered, including physical therapy for foot drop and phosphodiesterase inhibitors for erectile dysfunction. In conclusion, this case underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing potential complications associated with traction table use in orthopedic procedures, particularly concerning neurological sequelae and sexual dysfunction.

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