PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF THE ANATOMY, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Piriformis syndrome (PS) is thought to account for 6-8% of all cases of sciatic nerve related pain (1). Although high quality research is lacking, this narrative review has aimed to bring together the current evidence and the authors’ clinical perspectives to provide a framework for assessment and management.

METHODS

A literature search was performed via PubMed, CINAHL and Embase to identify literature on the topics of anatomy, diagnosis and treatment of PS. 71 papers were included based on their relevance to the topic of the review and ‘the authors’ clinical and research experience in pelvic girdle, hip and spine disorders.

RESULTS

Anatomy: Structural variation in the relationship between the piriformis muscle and the sciatic nerve has been hypothesized to predispose to development of PS. The sciatic nerve most commonly exits the greater sciatic foramen beneath the piriformis muscle. A systematic review

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