A randomized controlled trial comparing conservative versus surgical treatment in patients with foot drop due to peroneal nerve entrapment: results of an internal feasibility pilot study

BACKGROUND: Based on the lack of literature to support any treatment strategy in patients with foot drop due to peroneal nerve entrapment, a prospective study randomizing patients between surgery and conservative treatment is warranted. Since studies comparing surgery to no surgery are often challenging, we first examined the feasibility of such a randomized controlled trial. METHODS/DESIGN: An internal feasibility pilot study was conducted to assess several aspects of process, resource, management, and scientific feasibility. The main objective was the assessment of the recruitment rate. The criterion to embark on a full study was the recruitment of at least 14 patients in 6 participating centers within 6 months. Cross-over rate, blinding measures, training strategies, and trial assessments were evaluated. The trial was entirely funded by the KCE Trials public funding program of the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (ID KCE19-1232). RESULTS: The initial duration was prolonged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Between April 2021 and October 2022, we included 19 patients of which 15 were randomized. Fourteen patients were treated as randomized. One drop-out occurred after randomization, prior to surgery. We did not document any cross-over or accidental unblinding. Training strategies were successful. Patients perceived the quality of life questionnaire as the least relevant assessment. Assessment of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was prone to interobserver variability. All other trial assessments were adequate. DISCUSSION: Recruitment of the anticipated 14 patients was feasible although slower than expected. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and assessment of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will no longer be included in the full-scale FOOTDROP trial. CONCLUSION: The FOOTDROP study is feasible. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04695834. Registered 4 January 2021. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-023-01407-x.