Current evidence on the safety and efficacy (in terms of improving gait) of functional electrical stimulation (FES) for drop foot of central neurological origin appears adequate to support the use of this procedure provided that normal arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit.
Patient selection for implantable FES for drop foot of central neurological origin should involve a multidisciplinary team specialising in rehabilitation.
Further publication on the efficacy of FES would be useful, specifically including patient-reported outcomes, such as quality of life and activities of daily living, and these outcomes should be examined in different ethnic and socioeconomic groups.