A rare bifurcation pattern of the sciatic nerve

Abstract

Variations in branching patterns of the sciatic nerve are thought to be clinically significant because of the nerve’s extensive distribution area. Here we report a rare and unusual branching pattern of the sciatic nerve which was observed in a male cadaver. Sciatic nerve underwent a high division inside the pelvic cavity, and entered the gluteal region as separate tibial and common fibular nerves. Subsequent distal courses of both nerves into the leg were normal. Knowledge of sciatic nerve variations is useful in treating lower limb neuropathies, such as piriformis syndrome, which tends to be caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle.

Keywords: Sciatic nerve bifurcation; sciatic nerve anomalies; piriformis syndrome