Enhancing Functional Recovery Following Postpartum Femoral Neuropathy

Early Neurorehabilitation and Multidisciplinary Obstetric Care

[Posted 5/Mar/2024]

AUDIENCE: Ob/Gyn, Neurology

KEY FINDINGS: The case report describes how an early multimodal rehabilitation program within a multidisciplinary framework allows for sooner neuromotor function improvement and activities of daily living independence.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum femoral neuropathy has a reported incidence of less than 1% and its total recovery time extends up to 6 months to a year. A multidisciplinary approach is vital to rule out permanent disability and to assure a correct diagnosis and earlier rehabilitation.

DETAILS: Authors report a case of a 37-year-old puerperal woman with a history of intrapartum epidural analgesia, who presented post-labor unilateral lower-limb motor weakness and sensory loss, with functional compromise on independent gait. A multidisciplinary team consisting of an anesthesiologist, a physiatrist, a neurologist, and an obstetrician was then established. In the initial physiatry and neurology assessment, the patient reported pain (numerical rating scale 7/10) over the inguinal ligament, lower limb hypoesthesia, and muscle weakness. Femoral neuropathy was suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging ruled out potential complications related to the anesthetic procedure. The patient was then enrolled in a supervised rehabilitation program and, 3 weeks later, electrodiagnostic studies confirmed the initial suspicion. Two months later, the patient had regained lower-limb active range of motion and no pain nor paresthesia was reported.

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Source: Goncalves, E. M., Lanzaro, C., Silva, L. C., et al. (2024). Enhancing Functional Recovery Following Postpartum Femoral Neuropathy: Early Neurorehabilitation and Multidisciplinary Obstetric Care. Intl J Gynecol Obstet.. 2024; 164(3): 830-834. Published: March, 2024. DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15025.