Radiculopathies of structural origin.
In dealing with foot pain of a radicular nature, it is important to interpret the clinical signs and symptoms of the pathology carefully and arrive at an adequate diagnosis. All appropriate ancillary aids should be used to help confirm the diagnosis. Appropriate treatment plans will follow; most often they will include referrals to qualified orthopedic specialists. In this sense, the treatment of lower-extremity radiculopathy is seen as a multidisciplinary problem. The podiatrist has the opportunity to make the diagnosis, explain the problem to the patient, and perhaps deal with the resolution of the pathology. This article attempted to present a differential diagnosis of a structural radiculopathy presenting in the lower extremity. It is hoped that the discussion of symptomatology, diagnostic aids, and numerous illustrations help to add to the knowledge of this disease process.
McMurtry
J G
JG
Division of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, New York.
Duggan
J
J
D005528:Foot / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000503:physiopathology