Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
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

Related Concept Videos

Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

123
The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
123
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction

272
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
272
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

157
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
157
Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella01:16

Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella

2.4K
The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the...
2.4K
Abdominal Regions and Quadrants01:19

Abdominal Regions and Quadrants

8.0K
To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient's abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, anatomists and clinicians typically use imaginary lines to categorize the abdominopelvic cavity into either four quadrants or nine regions to identify organs in the cavity.
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four...
8.0K
Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes01:28

Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes

1.4K
The human leg comprises an intricate system of muscles that facilitate the movement of feet and toes. Within this system, the muscles are categorized into the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments, each with a unique set of muscles carrying out specific functions.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles....
1.4K

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by
Same author

Neurophysiological Recovery Following Nerve Transfer Surgery to Restore Upper Limb Function after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

Annals of neurology·2026
Same author

When Imaging and Electrodiagnosis Disagree on Nerve Root Avulsion-How to Reconcile Differences.

Muscle & nerve·2026
Same author

Quo Vadis PM&R and Electrodiagnostic Medicine ?

American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation·2026
Same author

Training Factors Influencing Scores on the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine Self-Assessment Examination: A Follow-Up Study.

Muscle & nerve·2026
Same author

Impact of medical safety huddles on patient safety: a stepped-wedge cluster randomised study.

BMJ quality & safety·2025
Same author

Mitigating Uncertainty When Using E-Ref Procedure for Reference Values.

Muscle & nerve·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2025

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
19:53

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer

Published on: March 1, 2015

105.9K

Piriformis syndrome.

Julian K Lo1, Lawrence R Robinson1

  • 1Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|May 2, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Piriformis syndrome involves sciatic nerve compression by the piriformis muscle, causing buttock pain. Diagnosis remains challenging due to unclear criteria and lack of definitive tests, with treatment often involving conservative rehabilitation.

Keywords:
Botulinum toxinDeep gluteal syndromeMyofascial painPiriformis syndromeReview articleSciatic neuropathySciatica

More Related Videos

Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination
08:43

Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination

Published on: July 7, 2016

14.3K
C-arm-Free Simultaneous OLIF51 and Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation in a Single Lateral Position
12:25

C-arm-Free Simultaneous OLIF51 and Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation in a Single Lateral Position

Published on: September 16, 2022

3.9K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 27, 2025

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
19:53

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer

Published on: March 1, 2015

105.9K
Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination
08:43

Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination

Published on: July 7, 2016

14.3K
C-arm-Free Simultaneous OLIF51 and Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation in a Single Lateral Position
12:25

C-arm-Free Simultaneous OLIF51 and Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation in a Single Lateral Position

Published on: September 16, 2022

3.9K

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Orthopedics
  • Pain Management

Background:

  • Piriformis syndrome is characterized by sciatic nerve compression in the deep gluteal space by the piriformis muscle.
  • Its prevalence varies, estimated between 5%-6% of low back, buttock, and leg pain cases.
  • Anatomical variations, like the sciatic nerve piercing the piriformis, occur in healthy individuals, complicating diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of piriformis syndrome, including its prevalence, symptoms, diagnostic challenges, and treatment options.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on piriformis syndrome, focusing on diagnostic criteria, clinical signs, electrodiagnostic studies, imaging, and treatment outcomes.
  • Analysis of reported symptoms, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic interventions for piriformis syndrome.

Main Results:

  • Common symptoms include buttock pain, tenderness, and pain aggravated by sitting.
  • Diagnostic criteria and clinical signs lack clear sensitivity and specificity, with no universally accepted confirmatory test.
  • Electrodiagnostic studies help exclude other conditions; ultrasound may show muscle thickening, but further research is needed.
  • MRI and neurography show potential but require more data for standardization.
  • Conservative management is the initial approach, with injections and surgery offering variable success.

Conclusions:

  • Piriformis syndrome diagnosis is often based on myofascial pain rather than focal neuropathy.
  • Current diagnostic tools are insufficient for definitive confirmation.
  • Conservative treatment is standard, with injections and surgery as potential adjuncts.