Peroneal nerve palsy: the role of early electromyography

Footdrop is rare in the newborn period. In this report, the clinical and electrophysiological features of a newborn whose peroneal neuropathy was detected in the delivery room is presented. Her first electrophysiological examination, at the 13th hour of life, revealed a peroneal nerve lesion. All findings elicited in this and subsequent examinations suggested an antenatal onset. Clinical recovery began within weeks of the birth and she was able to walk, with no residual neurological abnormality, by her first birthday. Early electrophysiological examination of a newborn with peripheral neuropathy may provide valuable information about the time of onset and pathophysiological features of the nerve lesion. In spite of the early electromyogram findings revealing severe nerve injury, a good prognosis is possible in newborns with peroneal neuropathy.