Should surgery be done for L5 radiculopathy foot drop?

Any muscle weakness or inability like a foot drop if it's new needs prompt evaluation and probable surgery. Call the back clinic at Mayo immediately and mention emergent.

Yes. Immediately and yesterday if possible. Hugs!

Why are the neurosurgeon so ify about it. I have HCC of MS, but foot drop is not because of that. They just keep having me do all the conservative methods. Going on 4 years now, very disappointed.

And that's a Mayo Clinic Health System facility.

Have you attempted being direct? I mean, have you asked them verbatim, except, you know, in your wording, why, after 4 years of conservative treatment, surgery has not been considered? Has foot drop been diagnosed? If so, what type of Physician diagnosed it? I ask that because sometimes, and it certainly is not an excuse, a primary care physician, can overlook handing that diagnosis off to a Neuro and/or orthopedic surgeon. I mean whomever is treating you conservatively has to know that foot drop is permanent, and requires nerve release. Get a second opinion. They are covered.

I cannot possibly answer that question because I am not them, nor do I have the information they have. I encourage you to ask him or her the exact same question. He or she is the only one who can give you the answer you seek.

Hi @rhondavon, a range of treatments is available for radiculopathy. According to this article from the Mayo Clinic Health System:
"Surgery is an excellent treatment for L5 or S1 radiculopathy when other conservative, nonsurgical treatments have not worked. There are generally two reasons for surgery. The first is significant weakness, such as a foot drop. In these cases, the sooner pressure is off the nerve, the more likely you can fully recover. The second more common reason to have surgery is if conservative treatments have failed." Read more here:

- Sciatica and radiculopathy: Peculiar names for shooting back, leg pain https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/sciatica-and-radiculopathy-peculiar-names

Rhonda, I agree with @gilkesl and @marymargaret0501 that need answers from your doctor(s) to your important questions. It appears that conservative treatments have been tried and failed. It may be time to consider surgery. Keep in mind that each person is different. Might there be other health issues that make surgery high risk for you?

What you failed to mention in your initial post was your past history of HCC of MS. If the foot drop is related to the MS are your MS docs managing the foot drop? Do you have a posterior support for your shoe? Considering that you’re indicating your foot drop is related to the MS spinal surgery does not always correct this. I’m guessing you’ve been told this and you’re seeking verification of the facts? We are all volunteer patients, so to speak, where we can share our life experiences with others. We cannot offer you any professional advice but many of us are retired healthcare professionals who can help. Good luck!

The foot drop is do to my l5 radiculopathy not MS, according to my Neurologist

Just putting in my 2 cents but drop foot or foot drop is common in MS. I’m not a neurologist either but take a look and share with your neurologist if it helps. Keep in mind one article is from 2016.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5087579/,
https://www.mymsteam.com/resources/drop-foot-and-ms