Unilateral foot drop caused by thoracic herniated intervertebral disc

Abstract

Introduction: Among the spinal disorder, unilateral weakness of foot dorsiflexion (drop foot) usually arises from lumbar herniated intervertebral discs (HIVD), especially at the L4/5 level. In contrast, symptomatic thoracic HIVD is rare, and the most common symptoms are pain and sensory disturbance along the involved root dermatomes. Myelopathy below the affected spinal level has been reported with central and large thoracic disc herniation.