Piriformis syndrome

Abstract

Piriformis syndrome (PS) is the reversible compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. It may cause deep and severe pain in the buttock, hip, and sciatica, with radiation into the thigh, leg, foot, and toes. Like carpal tunnel or pronator syndromes, it may cause damage to the peripheral nerve through excessive pressure (1). In PS, piriformis muscular tension presses the sciatic nerve anteriorly and inferiorly against the sharp tendinous edges of other muscles, such as the gemellus superior and obturator internus (2,3). The painful condition that results may become chronic and debilitating. © 2007 Humana Press Inc.