Updated: 11/4/2016

Piriformis Muscles Syndrome

Topic
Review Topic
0
0
Questions
1
0
0
Evidence
1
0
0
Videos
2
https://upload.orthobullets.com/topic/3095/images/piriformis_moved.jpg
https://upload.orthobullets.com/topic/3095/images/6_moved.jpg
https://upload.orthobullets.com/topic/3095/images/fair test.jpg
Introduction
  • A condition characterized by sciatic symptoms (leg pain) due to extrapelvic sciatic nerve compression at the hip
    • sometimes called deep gluteal syndrome 
  • Pathophysiology
    • pathoanatomy
      • sciatic nerve entrapment occurs
        • anterior to piriformis muscle or posterior to obturator internus/gemelli complex 
        • at level of ischial tuberosity
      • anatomic anomalies may contribute to compression including
        • bipartite piriformis
        • variations of sciatic nerve path
        • tumors
        • aneurysm of inferior gluteal artery
  • Associated conditions
    • femoroacetabular impingement 
      • decreased internal rotation may contribute to contractures of short external rotators and compression on sciatic nerve
Anatomy
  • Sciatic nerve 
    • exits 
      • inferior to piriformis  
      • superior to superior gemellus
  • Muscles
    • external rotators of the thigh include (superior to inferior)
      • piriformis 
      • superior gemellus 
      • obturator internus 
      • inferior gemellus  
      • obturator externus 
      • quadratus femoris 
Presentation
  • Symptoms
    • pain in the posterior gluteal region and migrating down the back of the leg
    • pain may be burning or aching in nature similar to sciatica symptoms
  • Physical exam 
    • FAIR test
      • Flexion, Adduction, and Internal Rotation of hip can reproduce symptoms 
      • maneuver places piriformis muscle on tension
Imaging
  • Radiographs
    • unremarkable
  • MRI
    • usually unremarkable
    • lumbar MRI helpful to rule out spine as cause of compression of sciatic nerve
  • Electrodiagnostic studies
    • can document functional impairment of sciatic nerve
Treatment
  • Nonoperative
    • rest, NSAIDS, muscle relaxants, PT, steroid injections
      • indications
        • first line of treatment
      • technique
        • focused on stretching the piriformis muscle and short external rotators
        • corticosteroid injection directed near the piriformis muscles
  • Operative
    • piriformis muscle release and external sciatic neurolysis
      • indications
        • only indicated in refractory cases after failed conservative measures
 

Please rate topic.

Average 4.1 of 41 Ratings

Thank you for rating! Please vote below and help us build the most advanced adaptive learning platform in medicine

The complexity of this topic is appropriate for?
How important is this topic for board examinations?
How important is this topic for clinical practice?
Questions (1)
QUESTIONS
1 of 1
  • 1

(OBQ09.37) Which of the following is the most common anatomical pattern of the sciatic nerve as it exits the pelvis? Review Topic

QID: 2850
1

As a single nerve, anterior to the piriformis muscle

70%

(1959/2816)

2

As a single nerve, posterior to the piriformis muscle

24%

(664/2816)

3

As two branches, both anterior to piriformis muscle

3%

(96/2816)

4

As two branches, one anterior to piriformis and one through the piriformis muscle

1%

(32/2816)

5

As two branches, both posterior to the piriformis muscle

2%

(55/2816)

ML 3

Select Answer to see Preferred Response

PREFERRED RESPONSE 1
ARTICLES (2)
POSTS (1)
VIDEOS (2)
Topic COMMENTS (4)

of images

Private Note