Rhabdomyolysis-Induced Unilateral Sciatic Neuropathy: A Case Study and Clinical-Anatomic Review

Rhabdomyolysis is a common but complex medical condition that typically presents with asymptomatic muscle enzyme elevation and follows a benign course. Cases of rhabdomyolysis associated with mononeuropathy, mononeuropathy multiplex, and peripheral neuropathy are uncommon.

We present the case of a 28-year-old man with focal weakness of the left leg that developed after he fell to the floor and was immobilized on his left side for a prolonged length of time (ie, 6-8 hours). Further evaluation revealed rhabdomyolysis associated with unilateral sciatic neuropathy but no evidence of compartment syndrome.

Severe cases of rhabdomyolysis, with or without compartment syndrome, can result in compressive neuropathies. We provide a detailed anatomic description of the sciatic nerve and review its associated clinical syndromes.

In cases of rhabdomyolysis associated with focal limb weakness that follows a myotomal distribution, compressive mononeuropathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis.