A 69-year-old woman is evaluated due to left lower limb weakness. Last week, the patient was admitted for total hip arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis. Postoperatively, she started complaining of left lower limb weakness and numbness. Physical examination shows decreased dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, and knee flexion. In addition, diminished sensation in the posterior surface of the calf, and the dorsum of the left foot. There is an absent ankle reflex on the left side. Which of the following would explain the patient's symptoms?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The sciatic nerve is located close to the hip joint, therefore hip fracture may endanger the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve injury manifestations include knee flexion deficits, dorsiflexion of the foot, sensory deficits across the calf and the dorsal foot, and deficits in plantar flexion or ankle reflex. All these features are caused by the effects on the sciatic nerve, common peroneal nerve, and the tibial nerve.

A 69-Year-Old Woman Is Evaluated Due to Left Lower Limb