= Piriformis syndrome
<Piriformis syndrome> is a clinical syndrome in which pain, sometimes with numbness or radiating leg symptoms, is attributed to irritation or compression of the <sciatic nerve> near the <piriformis muscle>. The <nerve> and <muscle> lie close together in the deep buttock region, making a mechanical interaction anatomically plausible.<Piriformis syndrome in the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia>[Definition, causes and sciatic-nerve course]{ref}
Anatomical plausibility is not proof of the explanation in a particular case. A 2018 study reviewed <magnetic resonance imaging> and clinical records to compare people with usual and variant relationships between the <sciatic nerve> and <piriformis muscle>. It found no significant difference in the recorded frequency of <piriformis syndrome>, buttock pain or sciatic symptoms between the anatomical groups.<Is it painful to be different? Sciatic nerve anatomical variants on MRI and their relationship to piriformis syndrome by Adam L. Bartret and others>[Abstract: retrospective cohort, MRI classification and negative association result]{ref} The study illustrates why an unusual scan finding must be distinguished from demonstrated symptomatic nerve compression.
Back to article page
