A 69-Year-Old Hospitalized Woman Is Evaluated for New-Onset Weakness of the Right

A 69-year-old hospitalized woman is evaluated for new-onset weakness of the right foot.  The patient has a history of chronic hip pain due to osteoarthritis and underwent left total hip arthroplasty under general anesthesia while in the right lateral decubitus position 2 days ago.  Since the surgery, she has had difficulty moving her right foot.  Other medical conditions include lumbar spinal stenosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and a small ischemic stroke with no residual deficit.  On examination of the right lower extremity, the patient is unable to dorsiflex or evert the foot or extend the toes.  Sensation is decreased over the dorsum of the right foot.  The rest of the neurologic examination of the right lower extremity is normal.  Injury to which of the following structures is the most likely cause of this patient's current symptoms?

A) Common fibular nerve
B) Deep fibular nerve
C) Femoral nerve
D) Lateral sural cutaneous nerve
E) Lumbosacral spinal nerve roots
F) Sciatic nerve
G) Tibial nerve

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free