Volume : 2, Issue : 1, January - 2013

The Anatomical Study of Division of the Sciatic Nerve Proximal to its Exit

Dr. Sharadkumar Pralhad Sawant

Abstract :

Aim: To study the division of the sciatic nerve proximal to its exit. Materials & Methods: This study on division of sciatic nerve was performed on 50 (100 specimens of Inferior Extremities) embalmed donated cadavers (45 males & 5 females) in the department of Anatomy of K. J. Somaiya Medical College, Sion, Mumbai, India. The gluteal region, back of thigh and leg of the lower limb was dissected meticulously to record the course of the tibial and common peroneal nerve. The photographs of the division of the sciatic nerve proximal to its exit was taken for proper documentation. Observations: Out of 100 specimens of Inferior Extremities in 22 specimens the sciatic nerve was dividing proximal to its entrance in the gluteal region i.e. 22%. The tibial nerve was coming out below the piriformis muscle and the common peroneal nerve was coming out through the piriformis muscle. The further course of the tibial and common peroneal nerve was normal. The pattern of vessels in the lower limb were normal. Conclusion: In sciatic nerve neuropathies, the extent of neurological deficits depends on the level of the sciatic nerve division. Sciatic nerve division into the tibial and common peroneal components at a higher level can result in the involvement of only one out of the two divisions in sciatic neuropathy. It can also result in a failure of the sciatic nerve block while performing popliteal block anaesthesia. These anatomical variations may contribute to clinical conditions such as piriformis syndrome, sciatica and coccygodynia.