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Foot drop is primarily caused by damage to the common peroneal nerve. This nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles that lift the foot, particularly the anterior compartment of the leg, which includes the dorsiflexors. When this nerve is injured, it can lead to an inability to lift the front part of the foot, resulting in the characteristic gait of foot drop.

Damage to the common peroneal nerve is often a result of compression, trauma, or prolonged pressure in cases such as leg crossing or improper positioning during surgery. This can lead to symptoms such as weakness in ankle dorsiflexion, an increased risk of tripping, and the development of a high-stepping gait to compensate for the inability to raise the foot.

In contrast, the tibial nerve, which innervates the muscles that plantarflex the ankle and flex the toes, would not directly cause foot drop but rather affect the ability to flex the foot downward. Similarly, while the sciatic nerve branches into both the tibial and common peroneal nerves, damage to the sciatic nerve itself would typically produce a wider range of symptoms rather than isolated foot drop. The femoral nerve primarily innervates the anterior thigh muscles responsible for knee extension and would not be involved