Piriformis syndrome is compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle in the posterior pelvis, causing pain in the buttocks and occasionally sciatica. Diagnosis is by examination. Treatment is symptomatic.

The piriformis muscle extends from the pelvic surface of the sacrum to the upper border of the greater trochanter of the femur. During running or sitting, this muscle can compress the sciatic nerve at the site where it emerges from under the piriformis to pass over the hip rotator muscles. Piriformis syndrome is uncommon.

Symptoms and Signs

A chronic nagging ache, pain, tingling, or numbness starts in the buttocks and can extend along the course of the sciatic nerve, down the entire back of the thigh and calf, and sometimes into the foot. Pain worsens when the piriformis is pressed against the sciatic nerve (eg, while sitting on a toilet, a car seat, or a narrow bicycle seat or while running).

Diagnosis

• Physical examination and provocative testing

Diagnosis is by physical examination. Pain with forceful internal rotation of the flexed thigh (Freiberg's maneuver), abduction of the affected leg while sitting (Pace's maneuver), raising of the knee several centimeters off the table while lying on a table on the side of the unaffected leg (Beatty's maneuver), or pressure into the buttocks where the sciatic nerve crosses the piriformis muscle while the patient slowly bends to the floor (Mirkin test) is diagnostic. Imaging is not useful except to rule out other causes of sciatic compression. Unlike piriformis pain, lumbar disk compression of the sciatic nerve (sciatica—see Neck and Back Pain: Sciatica) usually causes low back pain in addition to sciatic pain down the lower extremity. However, differentiation from a lumbar disk disorder is sometimes difficult, and referral to a specialist may be needed.

Treatment

• Modification of activity
• Stretches

Patients should temporarily stop running, bicycling, or doing any activity that elicits pain. Patients whose pain is aggravated by sitting should stand or, if unable to do so, change positions to remove the source of pressure around the buttock. Specific stretching exercises for the posterior hip and piriformis can be beneficial. Surgery is rarely warranted. A carefully directed corticosteroid injection near the site where the piriformis muscle crosses the sciatic nerve often helps temporarily. NSAIDs can also provide temporary pain relief.

Last full review/revision April 2009 by Brian D. Johnston; Paul L. Liebert, MD

Content last modified February 2012