The Piriformis Muscle Syndrome: Sciatic Nerve Entrapment Treated with Section of the Piriformis Muscle

Abstract

The piriformis muscle syndrome, a term applied to an abnormal condition of the piriformis muscle, is characterized by symptoms and signs due to sciatic nerve entrapment at the greater sciatic notch. Two patients with this syndrome, successfully treated with section of the piriformis muscle, are reported. The piriformis muscle syndrome should be suspected as part of the differential diagnosis in cases of low back and hip or thigh pain.

Key words:

• nerve entrapment syndrome
• sciatic nerve
• piriformis muscle