[Postpartum footdrop due to compression of the lumbosacral trunk]

We report on a rare peripartal neuropathy of the leg caused by pro longed difficult labor in which forceps were used or caesarean sec tion was performed. Immediately after delivery, the 2 patients corn plained of a unilateral footdrop and numbness in the leg. The foot drop was most likely due to a compression of the lumbosacral trunl exposed to the fetal head. This trunk contains fibres from the lumba roots L4 and L5 and connects the lumbar with the sacral plexus. The outcome was favourable in both patients. If subsequent pregnancies occur, caesarean section may be indicated.