Jove
Visualize
Contact Us

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review
04:33

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Published on: November 8, 2024

Piriformis syndrome surgery causing severe sciatic nerve injury.

Phillip E Justice1, Bashar Katirji, David C Preston

  • 1Neurological Institute, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106-5098, USA. pjustice89@gmail.com

Journal of Clinical Neuromuscular Disease
|August 28, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Piriformis muscle surgery can lead to severe sciatic nerve injury. This study highlights the potential hazards of piriformis muscle release, cautioning against the procedure due to risks of debilitating nerve damage.

Related Concept Videos

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Ultrasound-Confirmed Median Nerve Pseudoconduction Block due to Anatomical Variation.

Muscle & nerve·2026
Same author

Muscle Stiffness due to Neuromuscular Hyperexcitability.

Muscle & nerve·2026
Same author

Anti-Myelin Associated Glycoprotein Neuropathy With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Use.

Muscle & nerve·2026
Same author

Review of Imaging Modalities in Neuromuscular Disorders.

Seminars in neurology·2026
Same author

Radial Mononeuropathy: Clinical and Electrodiagnostic Characteristics in 177 Patients.

Muscle & nerve·2025
Same author

"Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy" without demyelination on electrodiagnosis: When should a treatment trial be considered?

Muscle & nerve·2024
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Anatomy

Background:

  • Piriformis syndrome is characterized as an entrapment neuropathy, where the sciatic nerve is potentially compressed by the piriformis muscle.
  • The surgical release of the piriformis muscle is a treatment option for this condition, though its efficacy and safety are debated.

Observation:

  • Two patients experienced severe left sciatic neuropathy following piriformis muscle release surgery.
  • One patient presented with a complete sciatic nerve lesion, while the other had a significant common peroneal nerve lesion.

Findings:

  • Post-operative follow-up revealed reinnervation solely in the hamstring muscles for both patients.
  • This suggests a potential for irreversible or severe damage to other nerve pathways.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 19, 2026

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review
04:33

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Published on: November 8, 2024

Implications:

  • Piriformis muscle surgery carries a significant risk of causing severe sciatic nerve injury.
  • These findings question the routine use of piriformis muscle release and emphasize the need for careful patient selection and surgical technique.