Isolated left foot drop post aortobifemoral bypass surgery: A case report

TL;DR

A rare case of left foot drop after aortobifemoral bypass surgery is reported, highlighting the need for further research into this uncommon complication.

Contribution

This case report documents an under-recognized postoperative complication of aortobifemoral bypass surgery.

Findings

Foot drop occurred post-surgery despite an uneventful operation.

Physical therapy contributed to recovery after ruling out other causes.

The case suggests a potential link between the surgery and foot drop.

Abstract

Foot drop is a disorder characterized by weakness in the dorsiflexor muscles of the foot, caused by various pathologies, including neurological, muscular, spinal, and autoimmune conditions. Sometimes, it can be iatrogenic due to direct nerve compression, traction, or ischemia. The occurrence and underlying mechanism of foot drop following aortobifemoral bypass surgery are not well-documented in literature.

A 40-year-old male, with short distance claudication secondary to multi-level lower limb arterial occlusions, mainly, external iliac arteries and superficial femoral arteries. The patient underwent an uneventful aortobifemoral bypass. Post-operatively, the patient developed left sided foot drop with no clear etiology. With intensive physiotherapy, the patient improved and eventually recovered.

After excluding other causes of the manifestation, this case could potentially give an insight to a rare postoperative complication following aortobifemoral bypass surgery. Despite a smooth intraoperative course, the patient developed foot drop, a rarely reported complication, suggesting a potential link between the procedure and foot drop.

This case report highlights a rare postoperative complication after aortobifemoral bypass surgery, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate the direct mechanisms behind this rare occurrence.

•Foot drop can unexpectedly occur after aortobifemoral bypass surgery, even with an uneventful perioperative course.•Thorough diagnostic evaluations are essential to rule out common causes.•Careful intraoperative positioning and enhanced postoperative monitoring help prevent and promptly detect this complication.•After excluding treatable etiology, physical therapy plays a major role in recovery.

Foot drop can unexpectedly occur after aortobifemoral bypass surgery, even with an uneventful perioperative course.

Thorough diagnostic evaluations are essential to rule out common causes.

Careful intraoperative positioning and enhanced postoperative monitoring help prevent and promptly detect this complication.

After excluding treatable etiology, physical therapy plays a major role in recovery.

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