[Footdrop during pregnancy or labor due to obstetric lumbosacral plexopathy]

Abstract

Two women, aged 27 and 28 years, presented with an isolated dropping foot developed during labour and the third trimester of pregnancy, respectively. Lumbosacral plexopathy was diagnosed in both cases. Of the relatively rare maternal obstetric complications, lumbosacral plexopathy is the most common. It is caused by compression of the truncus lumbosacralis against the sacral ala by the foetal head. Symptoms are often misdiagnosed as peroneal or ischiadic neuropathy or lumbosacral radiculoopathy. Therefore for a correct diagnosis, a consultation with a neurologist is indicated. The prognosis for lumbosacral plexopathy is excellent.