title: Sonographic evaluation of sciatic nerves in patients with unilateral sciatica.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the sciatic nerves of patients with unilateral sciatica by using an ultrasound, and to determine whether ultrasonographic findings were related to clinical and electrophysiologic parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physical medicine and rehabilitation departments of a university hospital and a rehabilitation hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Consecutive patients (N=30; 10 men, 20 women) with complaints of low back pain and unilateral sciatica of more than 1 month of duration were enrolled.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients underwent a substantial clinical assessment, and they were also evaluated by electromyogram and magnetic resonance imaging. Pain was evaluated by a visual analog scale and the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) Scale. A linear array probe (7.5-12MHz) was used to scan sciatic nerves bilaterally in the prone position. Sciatic nerve diameters-thickness (short axis) and width (long axis)-and cross-sectional areas were measured bilaterally at the same levels, proximal to the bifurcation and midthigh. The values pertaining to the unaffected limbs were taken as controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  When compared with the unaffected sides, mean values for sciatic nerve measurements-long axis at bifurcation level (P=.017) and cross-sectional area at midthigh level (P=.005)-were significantly larger on the affected sides. Swelling ratios negatively correlated with symptom duration (r=-.394, P=.038) and LANSS scores (r=-.451, P=.016) at only midthigh level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sciatic nerves seem to be enlarged on the side of sciatica in patients with low back pain. Our preliminary results may provide insight into better understanding the lower limb radiating pain in this group of patients.
authors.affiliation: Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. mkaraftr@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kara
authors.forename: Levent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Özçakar
authors.forename: Tülay
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tiftik
authors.forename: Bayram
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kaymak
authors.forename: Sumru
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Özel
authors.forename: Selami
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akkuş
authors.forename: Ayşen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akinci
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D012585:Sciatica / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography