Postpartum foot drop after vaginal delivery: A case of urgent spinal nerve decompression and literature review

Introduction: Postpartum neuropathies have long been recognized as potential complications of childbirth. Commonly affected nerves include femoral, sciatic, lumbosacral plexus, lateral femoral cutaneous, and peroneal nerves. Risk factors include prolonged second stage of labor, maternal short stature, fetal macrosomia, instrumental deliveries, hyperflexed positioning, and neuraxial anesthesia. Most reported cases are managed conservatively and ultimately resolve within weeks or months after delivery. Case Report: We describe a case of new-onset foot drop following an uncomplicated spontaneous vaginal delivery. To our knowledge, very few cases of postpartum foot drop secondary to lumbar disc herniation requiring surgical decompression have been reported. Conclusion: Although most postpartum lower extremity neuropathies resolve with time and conservative therapy, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for structural causes when symptoms are severe or progressive. This case underscores the importance of prompt recognition and evaluation of new neurologic symptoms, even after apparently uncomplicated deliveries, to facilitate timely intervention and optimize recovery.