A 68-Year-Old Woman Is Evaluated for Right Lower Extremity Weakness

A 68-year-old woman is evaluated for right lower extremity weakness while hospitalized.  The patient was admitted after sustaining a right femoral neck fracture and underwent total hip arthroplasty.  Her operative course was uncomplicated, but the patient experienced right leg weakness postoperatively.  Since the surgery, she has had difficulty with physical therapy and reports numbness of the right leg.  The patient's other medical conditions include hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, a prior transient ischemic attack, and osteoarthritis.  Right lower extremity examination shows weakness in dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, and knee flexion.  Hip flexion and knee extension are normal.  Sensation to light touch is decreased on the dorsum of the right foot and posterolateral aspect of the right calf.  Ankle reflex is absent on the right.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's current findings?

A) Diabetic neuropathy
B) L5 radiculopathy
C) Lacunar stroke
D) Peroneal nerve compression
E) Sciatic nerve injury

Correct Answer:

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