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Piriformis Syndrome, Sports Medicine

Douglas Comeau, DO, CAQSM, FAAFP and Angelene M. Elliott, DO Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Sciatic nerve irritation as it courses underneath or through the piriformis muscle causing buttock pain with or without radiation into the leg

  • The piriformis muscle acts as an externa...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Trauma to the gluteal region is seen in <50% of patients.

  • Sitting on hard surfaces exacerbates pain.

  • Location of referred pain; not likely piriformis syndrome if below the knee

  • Compla...

TREATMENT

Emergency department (ED) treatment: 
  • Low back pain is one of the top 10 causes of acute emergency visits.

  • Typically, a lumbar spine film will be taken and is negative.

  • The patient should be tr...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Initially, a patient should follow up with primary care or sports medicine 6 to 8 wk after starting physical therapy 8.

  • On follow-up, close inter...

REFERENCES

1
Siddiq MA, Hossain MS, Uddin MM, et al. Piriformis syndrome: a case series of 31 Bangladeshi people with literature review. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol.  2017;27(2):193–203.
2
Michel F,...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Prevention: a strong core stabilization program to increase strength and range of motion

  • Any activities that involve prolonged sitting (i.e., biking) should be avoided.

  • Return to play: w...

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