Piriformis Syndrome in Pre-monsoon, Monsoon, and Winter: An Observational Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Orthopedics
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Piriformis syndrome (PS) is a rare rheumatic condition affecting soft tissues.
• The study investigated the seasonal pattern of PS, particularly in relation to the rainy monsoon season, considering rural work prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the seasonal frequency of piriformis syndrome diagnoses.
• To explore potential correlations between PS onset and preceding life or work events.
• To test the hypothesis that PS is more prevalent during the rainy monsoon season.

Main Methods:

• A time-series descriptive study design was employed.
• Piriformis syndrome cases diagnosed between January 2018 and December 2019 were analyzed.
• Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical presentation and a 50% pain reduction following ultrasonogram-guided lidocaine injection into the piriformis muscle.

Main Results:

• A total of 38 piriformis syndrome cases were identified over two years.
• The highest number of cases (15) were diagnosed during the pre-monsoon season, followed by dry winter (12), and rainy monsoon (8).
• No significant correlation was found between the type of preceding events and PS diagnosis, nor were there seasonal differences in PS patterns.

Conclusions:

• The study did not support the hypothesis that piriformis syndrome is more prevalent during the rainy monsoon season.
• Higher incidence of new PS cases was observed in the pre-monsoon and dry winter periods.
• No association was found between specific preceding events and the occurrence of piriformis syndrome.