Deep gluteal syndrome and piriformis: sciatic nerve

The deep gluteal space is the region where the sciatic nerve leaves the pelvis and relates to piriformis and the deep hip rotators. Piriformis syndrome is one of the causes of this deep gluteal syndrome. These relations are shown here in 3D.

Anatomy of the passage

The sciatic nerve is related to piriformis and the deep rotators of the hip. Deep gluteal syndrome covers extraspinal entrapments by different structures; attributing any sciatic pain to piriformis oversimplifies its diagnosis.

Nerve: Sciatic nerve: deep gluteal space and ischial region
Frequency: Described site, less commonly seen.
Type of evidence: Systematic review and clinical anatomy

References

Kizaki K, Uchida S, Shanmugaraj A, Aquino CC, Duong A, Simunovic N, Martin HD, Ayeni OR. Deep gluteal syndrome is defined as a non-discogenic sciatic nerve disorder with entrapment in the deep gluteal space: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2020. PubMed 32246173 · DOI
Kay J, de Sa D, Morrison L, Fejtek E, Simunovic N, Martin HD, Ayeni OR. Surgical Management of Deep Gluteal Syndrome Causing Sciatic Nerve Entrapment: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy 2017. PubMed 28866346 · DOI

Ultrasound landmarks

In the deep gluteal region, the sciatic nerve emerges below piriformis and descends behind the gemelli, obturator internus and quadratus femoris, covered by gluteus maximus. Deep station.

Tests that load this nerve

View the nerve in the 3D atlas

Other sites of the same nerve

Sciatic nerve at the ischial tuberosity: 3D anatomy

All entrapment sites

Open the free atlas