title: The piriformis syndrome.
abstract: Piriformis syndrome is an often misdiagnosed cause of sciatica, leg, or buttock pain, and disability. The sciatic nerve may be compressed within the buttock by the piriformis muscle, with pain increased by muscular contraction, palpation, or prolonged sitting. A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential to proper diagnosis. Diagnostic testing may be used to differentiate piriformis syndrome from other causes of sciatica, lower extremity weakness, and pain. This article reviews the pathophysiology and management of piriformis syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Brown University, School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Parziale
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Hudgins
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Fishman
mesh_terms: D002081:Buttocks / Q000294:innervation; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation; D009407:Nerve Block; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000150:complications*; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012585:Sciatica / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy