Search
piriformis syndrome
Etiology:
- entrapment of sciatic nerve by piriformis muscle
Epidemiology: rare
Pathology:
- occurs when the piriformis muscle compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve
Clinical manifestations:
1) see sciatica
2) pain/paresthesias in the buttocks & along the sciatic nerve, often down to the leg
3) pain may worsen as a result of sitting for a long period of time, climbing stairs, walking, or running
Radiology:
- magnetic resonance neurography can detect abnormality of sciatic nerve near level of sciatic notch & piriformis muscle
Management:
1) see sciatica
2) stretching exercises & massage
3) NSAIDs
4) corticosteroid injection near where the piriformis muscle & the sciatic nerve meet may provide temporary relief
5) cessation of aggravating activities
6) surgery in some cases
7) prognosis is generally good
Related
piriformis
General
sciatic neuropathy
entrapment neuropathy; nerve entrapment syndrome; pinched nerve
References
- Lewis AM
Magnetic image resonance neurography in extraspinal sciatica.
Arch Neurol 2006, 63:1469
PMID: 17030664
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 17, 18.
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2015, 2018.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
NINDS Piriformis Syndrome Information Page
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Piriformis-Syndrome-Information-Page