Surgical Management of Deep Gluteal Syndrome Causing Sciatic Nerve Entrapment: A Systematic Review

Unrepaired Trochanteric Bursae as a Risk Factor for Deep Gluteal Syndrome After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The trochanteric bursae are often left unrepaired after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and they retract posteriorly over the muscle belly of the piriformis. Deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) is a multifactorial condition presenting as buttock pain and is attributed to nondiscogenic sciatic nerve irritation or impingement causes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between bursal repair and incidence of DGS in patients undergoing THA.

METHODS

This prospective randomized trial included patients treated with a THA between January and December 2022 for a diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: group 1 underwent a routine bursal repair, while group 2 did not, leaving the bursae unrepaired. Follow-up was performed on the 15th, 30th, and 90th day postoperatively with clinical scores, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. In this cohort of 104 patients, mean age was 55 years (range, 26 to 88). Demographic variables as well as range of motion and overall clinical results showed no significant difference between the groups.

RESULTS

DGS rates were significantly more common in the patients who had an unrepaired bursa (group 2) both on the 30th and 90th postoperative days, while comparison of lateral trochanteric pain on palpation showed similar results between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

DGS is common in individuals who have unrepaired trochanteric bursal tissue following a THA. Despite its higher frequency, these symptoms did not have a substantial impact on the overall clinical scores, which remained consistent across the study groups.

Importance of Sacrotuberous Ligament in Transgluteal Approach for Sciatic Nerve Entrapment in the Greater Sciatic Notch (Piriformis Syndrome)

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy of sciatic nerve decompression via transgluteal approach for entrapment of the sciatic nerve at the greater sciatic notch, called piriformis syndrome, and factors affecting the surgical outcome were analyzed.

METHODS

The outcome of pain reduction was analyzed in 81 patients with sciatic nerve entrapment who underwent decompression through a transgluteal approach. The patients were followed up for at least 6 months. The degree of pain reduction was analyzed using a numerical rating scale-11 (NRS-11) score and percent pain relief before and after last follow-up following surgery. Success was defined by at least 50% reduction in pain measured via NRS-11. To assess the degree of subjective satisfaction, a 10-point Likert scale was used. In addition, demographic characteristics, anatomical variations, and variations in surgical technique involving sacrotuberous ligamentectomy were analyzed as factors that affect the surgical outcome.

RESULTS

At a follow-up of 17.5±12.5 months, sciatic nerve decompression was successful in 50 of 81 patients (61.7%), and the pain relief rate was 43.9±34.17. Subjective improvement based on a 10-point Likert scale was 4.90±3.43. Among the factors that affect the surgical outcome, only additional division of the sacrotuberous ligament during piriformis muscle resection played a significant role. The success rate was higher in the scarotuberous ligementectomy group (79.4%) than in the non-resection group (42.6%), resulting in statistically significant difference based on average NRS-11 score, percent pain relief, and subjective improvement (p<0.05, independent t-test).

CONCLUSION

Sciatic nerve decompression is effective in pain relief in chronic sciatica due to sciatic nerve entrapment at the greater sciatic notch. Its effect was further enhanced by circumferential dissection of the sciatic nerve based on the compartment formed by the piriformis muscle and the sacrotuberous ligament in the greater sciatic notch.

Anatomical Relationships of the Sciatic Nerve and Pudendal Nerve to the Ischial Spine as They Exit the Greater Sciatic Foramen

OBJECTIVE

Deep gluteal syndrome is a clinical condition in which discomfort may arise due to the pathoanatomy of the subgluteal space. We conducted an anatomical exploration to categorize the relationship of the piriformis muscle, sciatic nerve (SN), and pudendal nerve (PN) to the ischial spine (IS) and sacrospinous ligament.

METHODS

We analyzed 22 cadavers. The piriformis muscle, SN, and PN were exposed through either a transgluteal approach or a gluteal flap. The relationship of the neural structures to the IS, sacrospinous ligament, and ischial bone as they exit the greater sciatic foramen was observed, and the exit zones were classified as zone A, medial to the IS (entirely on sacrospinous ligament); zone B, on the IS; and zone C, lateral to the IS (entirely on ischial bone).

RESULTS

The SN was observed either in zone B or zone C in all specimens. The PN was found to be in either zone A or zone B in 97.6% of specimens. The most common combinations were SN in zone B and PN in zone A (type I), and SN in zone C and PN in zone B (type II).

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this study show clear anatomical differences in the SN-PN relationship, which may play a role in pain seen in deep gluteal syndrome. Moreover, classification of the SN-IS and PN-IS relationships described in this article will help describe different pathologies affecting the deep gluteal area.

A comprehensive review of hip arthroscopy techniques and outcomes

Transforming the orthopedic landscape, hip arthroscopy pioneers a minimally invasive surgical approach for diagnosing and addressing hip pathologies. With its origins dating back to Burman's 1931 cadaveric study, this groundbreaking technique gained clinical relevance in 1939 through Takagi's report. However, the 1980s marked the actual emergence of hip arthroscopy for treating a wide range of hip disorders. Now, a staple in modern orthopedics, hip arthroscopy empowers patients with previously undiagnosed and untreated hip conditions, enabling them to obtain relief and reclaim their lives. By employing a compact camera and specialized tools, surgeons expertly navigate the hip joint, performing procedures from excising loose bodies and mending labral tears to addressing femoroacetabular impingement and tackling other intricate issues. This innovative approach has dramatically elevated patients' quality of life, allowing them to embrace targeted treatments and resume daily activities without resorting to lifestyle alterations.

A systematic review of conservative and surgical treatments for deep gluteal syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Conservative and surgical treatments, are recommended as the primary treatment in the management of patients diagnosed with deep gluteal syndrome; but evidence supporting superiority of one treatment over another is lacking. The aim of this review is to systematically review the effectiveness of treatments.

DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, AMED, Cochrane Library (Central Register of Controlled Trials), and PEDro were screened (to 24 July 2019). Risk of bias of trials and surgical case series were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical appraisal checklists, respectively. Outcomes were reductions in pain or disability. For each outcome, the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated. A narrative synthesis was performed.

RESULTS

Out of 909 records, thirteen studies with 508 patients were included, eight RCTs with 336 patients and 5 case series with 172 patients. Conservative modalities were: infiltration into muscle of steroid, botulinum toxin, thiochilcoside and colchicine. There was one RCT and five case series of surgery. Only three trials reached an MCID in pain reduction for the intervention. The five surgical studies reached a before and after MCID. Only one study showed an MCID reduction in disability. The overall quality of evidence was low.

CONCLUSION

Given the low quality of evidence, no single conservative treatment can be recommended over another. Clinicians should follow general guidelines on the management of back pain and sciatica for first line treatment, namely physiotherapy. Surgery may have a place for chronic cases.

Arthroscopic treatment of deep gluteal syndrome and the application value of high-frequency ultrasound

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic sciatic neurolysis for treating deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) and to analyse the application value of high-frequency ultrasound during perioperative period.

METHODS

Between June 2020 and February 2022, 30 patients with DGS who underwent failed conservative treatment were retrospectively analysed. Lateral arthroscopic exploration of the deep gluteal space and sciatic neurolysis were performed. In addition to pelvic X-ray, lumbar disc and hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography of the sciatic nerve was also performed in all patients. The visual analogue scale pain score (VAS), modified Harris hip score (mHHS) and Benson symptom-rating scale were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. The correlation between preoperative sciatic nerve ultrasound and arthroscopic findings was analysed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up for these patients was 13 months (range,12-21 months). Preoperative ultrasonography showed precise morphological changes in 26 sciatic nerves of patients. The VAS score decreased from 5.0 (4.0, 6.0) preoperatively to 0.5 (0, 1.0) postoperatively (p < 0.001), and the mHHS increased from 64.0 (57.0, 67.0) preoperatively to 95.0 (93.0, 97.0) postoperatively (p < 0.001). The Benson symptom score was excellent in 15 cases, good in 12 cases, fair in 2 cases, poor in 1 case; thus, the score was excellent or good in 90% of the cases. Preoperative ultrasound diagnosis and intra-operative findings matched up in all cases. There were four cases of transient numbness in the posterior thigh.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic sciatic neurolysis is a safe and effective treatment option for DGS patients who fail conservative treatment. Ultrasound diagnosis matched the arthroscopic findings perfectly. Preoperative Doppler ultrasound can assist surgical decision-making, guide intraoperative release.

Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Transgluteal Approach for Resection of a Sciatic Nerve Tumor: A Technical Note

There are a variety of surgical approaches to lesions around the sciatic notch. Historically, peripheral nerve surgeons prefer an infragluteal approach involving a large incision with reflection of the gluteus maximus to better visualize the operative field. This approach was imperative when lesion localization was imprecise. Comparatively, orthopedic surgeons prefer a muscle-splitting, transgluteal approach to operate on the static structures of the posterior hip. The transgluteal approach is significantly less morbid, allowing for same-day discharge and less extensive rehab given preservation of the gluteal muscle. In this article we describe the use of dynamic ultrasound imaging to localize and aid in the resection of three unique tumors around the sciatic notch using a minimally invasive, tissue-sparing, transgluteal technique. We offer a comprehensive description of the benefits, anatomic considerations, and nuances of using a transgluteal approach for the resection of lesions at the sciatic notch.

Endoscopic Sciatic Neurolysis for Deep Gluteal Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) is an underdiagnosed condition caused by an extra-spinal entrapment of the sciatic nerve in the deep gluteal space. Symptomatic patients who fail conservative treatment require surgical decompression of the nerve either by an open or endoscopic approach. In recent times, there has been an increasing trend towards minimally invasive surgery performed with endoscopic techniques. This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression in the management of DGS. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and SPORTDiscus databases were performed on January 3, 2022. All English-language clinical studies on DGS treated with endoscopic surgical decompression were included. The initial search criteria identified 145 articles, of which four studies were available for the final review. There was one level III evidence, while the remaining three were level IV, comprising 144 patients with a mean age of 46 years. The Coleman methodology score (CMS) was utilized to assess the quality of the studies and the mean score was 62 (range, 52 to 71). The presence of fibrovascular bands and bursal tissue was the most common cause of DGS, followed by musculotendinous structures. The average follow-up of the included studies was 26.3 months (range, 12 to 32 months). Less favorable outcomes were seen in patients with major traumatic sciatic neuropathies after fractures or open reconstructive hip surgeries. Conversion to formal open surgery was recorded in one case of DGS caused by sciatic nerve schwannoma due to poor endoscopic access. One patient developed postoperative recurrent sciatic nerve entrapment due to a foreign body reaction requiring an open decompression. Overall, the available studies reported a high degree of clinical success with a low rate of complications, albeit no high-quality studies could be identified.

[Endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression]

OBJECTIVE

To improve treatment outcomes in patients with sciatic nerve neuropathy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The first results of endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression in 6 patients with sciatic neuropathy (mean age 47±6.7 years) are presented. The authors developed and described new and unique technique for this procedure. All patients suffered severe neuropathic pain syndrome with neurologic disorders. All patients underwent endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression in prone position.

RESULTS

Mean VAS score of preoperative pain syndrome was 7.8±0.37. In 3 months after surgery, this value decreased up to 1.5 scores. Complete regression of pain syndrome and significant reduction of neurologic symptoms were noted in 5 out of 6 patients (83%).

CONCLUSION

Primary data characterize the developed method as an easy, minimally invasive and effective procedure for pain relief and fast recovery of lower extremity function in these patients.

[New treatment options for piriformis syndrome]

This paper discusses modern approaches to the diagnosis and management of patients with piriformis syndrome. Epidemiological data on the prevalence of this syndrome in neurological practice are presented. The anatomical features of this region, leading to the formation of piriformis syndrome, are described in detail. The authors provide diagnostic criteria based on neurological examination and manual muscle testing and discuss the differential diagnosis of piriformis syndrome. New possibilities of treating this syndrome using a fixed combination of diclofenac and orphenadrine registered in the Russian Federation as a drug for intravenous infusion neodolpasse are discussed in detail. The authors cite materials from their own work, a clinical case of managing a patient with piriformis syndrome using neodolpasse is analyzed.

Deep Gluteal Syndrome: A Pain in the Buttock

ABSTRACT

While buttock pain is a common complaint in sports medicine, deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) is a rare entity. DGS has been proposed as a unifying term referring to symptoms attributed to the various pain generators located in this region. While not all-inclusive, the diagnosis of DGS allows for focus on pathology of regionally associated muscles, tendons, and nerves in the clinical evaluation and management of posterior hip and buttock complaints. An understanding of the anatomic structures and their kinematic and topographic relationships in the deep gluteal space is pivotal in making accurate diagnoses and providing effective treatment. Because presenting clinical features may be unrevealing while imaging studies and diagnostic procedures lack supportive evidence, precise physical examination is essential in obtaining accurate diagnoses. Management of DGS involves focused rehabilitation with consideration of still clinically unproven adjunctive therapies, image-guided injections, and surgical intervention in refractory cases.

Complications of Hip Endoscopy in the Treatment of Subgluteal Space Pathologies

PURPOSE

To assess complications of hip endoscopy in patients with subgluteal space pathologies.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with sciatic nerve entrapment (SNE), ischiofemoral impingement (IFI), and rupture of the proximal origin of the hamstring muscles (RHM) who underwent a hip endoscopy from January 2012 to December 2018, after a minimum of 3 months of conservative management without satisfactory results. Complications were documented and graded using the adapted system of Clavien-Dindo. Revision surgeries were classified as treatment failures. Function was evaluated by the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index before and 12 months after the surgical procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 97 hips with subgluteal space pathologies were treated with hip endoscopy. This total consisted of 77 hips with SNE, 5 with IFI, 12 with SNE + IFI, and 3 hips with RHM. Minor (Clavien-Dindo I-II) and major (Clavien-Dindo III-V) complications occurred in 7.22% (7) (95% confidence interval 3.54%-14.15%) and 12.37% (12) (95% confidence interval 7.22%-20.39%). Grade II, III, and IV complications were reported in 7.22% (7), 7.22%, and 5.15% (5) hips, respectively. Temporary nerve injury of the sciatic nerve, hematoma, and permanent nerve injury of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve were the most common grade II, grade III, and grade IV complications, respectively. The revision rate was 6.19% (6) and entrapment of the sciatic nerve was the main cause of reoperation. No statistically significant differences were found between cases with and without complications in the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores evaluated before and after surgery (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

A high rate of complications associated with hip endoscopy were observed in patients with SNE, IFI, and RHM. Sciatic nerve and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve injury were the most frequent events.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, case series type.

Editorial Commentary: Subgluteal Hip Arthroscopy for Sciatic Nerve Entrapment, Ischiofemoral Impingement, or Proximal Hamstring Tears: Beyond the Comfort Zone

Advancements in hip arthroscopy are astounding. Circumferential labral reconstruction, labral augmentation, and capsular reconstruction are valuable tools. Beyond the "comfort zone" of the hip intra-articular realm, new frontiers include the peritrochanteric space, and a similarity to the subacromial space of the shoulder makes the transition attainable. In contrast, the subgluteal space is seen as outside the box. Sciatic nerve entrapment (SNE), ischiofemoral impingement (IFI), and tears of the proximal origin of the hamstring are among the subgluteal space pathologies. Clinical assessment of deep gluteal syndrome, defined as nondiscogenic sciatic nerve entrapment, can be particularly difficult but is critical and one of the skills that we as hip sports surgeons need to master. The respective treatments for SNE, IFI, and hamstring tears are nerve decompression, lesser trochanteric resection, and hamstring repair. Complications can occur, most commonly temporary injury of the sciatic nerve and permanent injury of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. While all located in the deep gluteal space, SNE, IFI, and proximal hamstring tears are unique entities. When thinking outside the box, it's important to consider the complicated contents of Pandora's box.

Effect of integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique compared with positional release technique in the management of piriformis syndrome

CONTEXT

Studies have indicated that the muscle energy technique (MET) and the positional release technique (PRT) are effective in the management of piriformis syndrome (PS); however, evidence is scarce regarding the combination of these techniques in the form of an integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique (INIT) in the management of individuals with PS. Although a previous trial investigated the effect of INIT for PS, that study did not integrate Ruddy's reciprocal antagonist facilitation (RRAF) method into the INIT protocol, nor did the authors diagnose PS according to established criteria.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effects of INIT with integrated RRAF compared with PRT in the management of patients diagnosed with PS.

METHODS

This study was designed as a single blind randomized clinical trial in which participants diagnosed with PS were randomly allocated into INIT and PRT groups. Each group attended two treatment sessions per week for 8 weeks. Patients in the INIT group received a protocol in which the patient's tender point or trigger point was palpated in the belly of the piriformis approximately halfway between the inferior lateral angle of the sacrum and the greater trochanter, at which point the therapist applied an intermittent or sustained pressure and maintained the pressure for 20-60 seconds (depending on the participant's response to pain reduction). For INIT patients, that protocol was also followed by RRAF, a method in which a patient introduces a series of tiny/miniature contractions or efforts (20 times per 10 seconds) against a therapist's resistance. Patients in the PRT group were treated by palpating the same trigger point described in the INIT group, followed by application of light pressure at the location of the trigger point, which was maintained the pressure for 2 minutes or until the pain subsided (determined by asking the participant to report a pain score using a visual analog scale at 30 second intervals). For both groups, three repetitions of the INIT or PRT treatment were performed over 10 minutes at each clinical visit. Additionally, each group also received stretching exercises immediately after the INIT or PRT treatment session. Each participant was assessed at baseline, immediately posttreatment, and at 4 months posttreatment for pain, sciatica, functional mobility, quality of life, hip abduction, and internal rotation. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) of within-between group interactions was used to analyze the treatment effect.

RESULTS

Forty eight participants (age range, 25-47 years; mean age ± standard deviation, 32.81 ± 3.27 years) were randomized into the INIT and PRT groups, with 24 participants in each group. No significant between-group differences (p>0.05) were observed in the baseline demographic and clinical variables of the participants. A repeated-measures ANOVA indicated that there was a significant time effect for all outcomes, with a significant interaction between time and intervention (p<0.001). The Bonferroni post hoc analyses of time and intervention effects indicated that the INIT group improved significantly compared with the PRT group in all outcomes (p<0.05) immediately posttreatment and at the 4 months follow up period.

CONCLUSIONS

INIT was more effective than PRT in the management of individuals with PS. It should be noted the significant improvement achieved in both the groups may have also been contributed to by the stretching exercises that were used as adjunct therapies by both groups.

Surgical and Non-surgical Treatment Options for Piriformis Syndrome: A Literature Review

Context

Piriformis syndrome is a solely clinical diagnosis that often eludes the practitioner and goes underdiagnosed. PS is a pain syndrome and for those it affects, causes persistent pain and limits daily activity and work capacity. It is a form of deep gluteal syndrome that needs to be considered on the differential of low back pain as it comprises between 0.3% - 6% of all low back pain cases and is frequently underdiagnosed. Piriformis syndrome may be primary due anatomic anomalies or secondary, though the majority of cases are secondary to some insult. The objective of this manuscript is to provide a description of the epidemiology and presentation of piriformis as well as both non-operative and operative treatment options. We review all of the recent clinical evidence regarding the aforementioned therapies.

Evidence Acquisition

Literature searches were performed using the below MeSH Terms using Mendeley version 1.19.4. Search fields were varied until further searches revealed no new articles. All articles were screened by title and abstract. Decision was made to include an article based on its relevance and the list of final articles was approved three of the authors. This included reading the entirety of the article. Any question regarding the inclusion of an article was discussed by all authors until an agreement was reached.

Results

Medical management and physical therapy show some promise; however, when conservative treatment fails minimally invasive methods such as steroid injections, botulinum toxin injections, dry needling are all efficacious and there is substantial clinical evidence regarding these therapies. In those patients in which minimally invasive techniques do not result in an adequate relief of pain and return of function, endoscopic release can be considered. Endoscopic release is far superior to open release of the piriformis syndrome given the higher success and lower rate of complications.

Conclusions

Piriformis syndrome is an important differential diagnosis in the work up of lower back pain and should not be ruled out with proper examination and testing. Clinicians should consider medical management and conservative management in the initial treatment plan for piriformis syndrome. There are many options within the conservative management and the literature shows much promise regarding these. Physical therapy, steroid injections, botulinum toxin injections, and dry needling are all potentially effective therapies with few adverse effects. Surgical options remain as gold standard, but only when conservative management has failed and the symptoms are significant to affect daily living activities. Endoscopic decompression of the sciatic nerve with or without release of the piriformis muscle has a reported high likelihood of success and a low complication rate. Current literature supports the preference of the endoscopic approach over the open approach due to improved outcomes and decreased complications. Further research is to well define the metrics for the diagnosis of piriformis syndrome and may include a need to develop diagnostic criteria.

Postoperative Deep Gluteal Syndrome After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery

Background

Deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) is an uncommon source of buttock and groin pain, resulting from entrapment of the sciatic nerve in the deep gluteal space. The incidence and risk factors of postoperative DGS after primary hip arthroscopic surgery are currently unknown.

Purpose

To investigate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative DGS after primary hip arthroscopic surgery.

Study Design

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

This study reviewed 1167 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery between 2010 and 2018 by a single surgeon at a single center in Japan. DGS was defined using the seated piriformis stretch test, active hamstring test, and evidence of a hypertrophic sciatic nerve on magnetic resonance imaging. Overall, 11 of 1167 patients were diagnosed with DGS postoperatively. The DGS group (n = 11) was compared with the non-DGS group (n = 1156). Patient age, sex, body mass index (BMI), generalized joint laxity (GJL; Beighton score >6), number of hip arthroscopic procedures, and radiographic parameters including lateral center-edge angle, Sharp angle, vertical center anterior angle, Tönnis angle, alpha angle, ischiofemoral distance, ischiofemoral space, and quadratus femoris space were compared. The prevalence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and borderline DDH (BDDH) was also compared. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify potential predictors for a postoperative DGS diagnosis.

Results

The incidence of postoperative DGS in our study was 0.9%. Female sex (male:female ratio: 0:11 in DGS group vs 568:588 in non-DGS group; P < .01), mean number of hip surgical procedures (1.8 ± 0.9 in DGS group vs 1.1 ± 0.4 in non-DGS group; P < .01), and GJL (P < .01) were significantly higher in the DGS group, while the mean BMI was significantly lower in the DGS group (19.8 ± 1.8 vs 22.7 ± 3.6 kg/m², respectively; P < .01). Radiographic parameters were not significantly different between groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex (odds ratio [OR], 22.0 [95% CI, 1.29-374.56]), multiple surgical procedures (OR, 7.8 [95% CI, 2.36-25.95]), GJL (OR, 40.9 [95% CI, 8.74-191.70]), lower BMI (OR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.644-0.914]), and DDH/BDDH (OR, 18.1 [95% CI, 2.30-142.10]) were potential predictors of postoperative DGS.

Conclusion

The incidence of postoperative DGS in our study was 0.9%. The predictors for postoperative DGS after hip arthroscopic surgery were female sex, GJL, multiple hip surgical procedures, and DDH/BDDH. Although hip arthroscopic surgery can provide favorable clinical outcomes, surgeons should be aware of the risk factors for DGS as a complication of hip arthroscopic surgery.

Deep gluteal syndrome is defined as a non-discogenic sciatic nerve disorder with entrapment in the deep gluteal space: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Clinicians are not confident in diagnosing deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) because of the ambiguity of the DGS disease definition and DGS diagnostic pathway. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the DGS disease definition, and also to define a general DGS diagnostic pathway.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed using four electronic databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. In eligibility criteria, studies in which cases were explicitly diagnosed with DGS were included, whereas review articles and commentary papers were excluded. Data are presented descriptively.

RESULTS

The initial literature search yielded 359 articles, of which 14 studies met the eligibility criteria, pooling 853 patients with clinically diagnosed with DGS. In this review, it was discovered that the DGS disease definition was composed of three parts: (1) non-discogenic, (2) sciatic nerve disorder, and (3) nerve entrapment in the deep gluteal space. In the diagnosis of DGS, we found five diagnostic procedures: (1) history taking, (2) physical examination, (3) imaging tests, (4) response-to-injection, and (5) nerve-specific tests (electromyography). History taking (e.g. posterior hip pain, radicular pain, and difficulty sitting for 30 min), physical examination (e.g. tenderness in deep gluteal space, pertinent positive results with seated piriformis test, and positive Pace sign), and imaging tests (e.g. pelvic radiographs, spine and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) were generally performed in cases clinically diagnosed with DGS.

CONCLUSION

Existing literature suggests the DGS disease definition as being a non-discogenic sciatic nerve disorder with entrapment in the deep gluteal space. Also, the general diagnostic pathway for DGS was composed of history taking (posterior hip pain, radicular pain, and difficulty sitting for 30 min), physical examination (tenderness in deep gluteal space, positive seated piriformis test, and positive Pace sign), and imaging tests (pelvic radiographs, pelvic MRI, and spine MRI). This review helps clinicians diagnose DGS with more confidence.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Deep gluteal syndrome as a cause of posterior hip pain and sciatica-like pain

Deep gluteal syndrome is an increasingly recognized disease entity, caused by compression of the sciatic or pudendal nerve due to non-discogenic pelvic lesions. It includes the piriformis syndrome, the gemelli-obturator internus syndrome, the ischiofemoral impingement syndrome, and the proximal hamstring syndrome. The concept of the deep gluteal syndrome extends our understanding of posterior hip pain due to nerve entrapment beyond the traditional model of the piriformis syndrome. Nevertheless, there has been terminological confusion and the deep gluteal syndrome has often been undiagnosed or mistaken for other conditions. Careful history-taking, a physical examination including provocation tests, an electrodiagnostic study, and imaging are necessary for an accurate diagnosis. After excluding spinal lesions, MRI scans of the pelvis are helpful in diagnosing deep gluteal syndrome and identifying pathological conditions entrapping the nerves. It can be conservatively treated with multidisciplinary treatment including rest, the avoidance of provoking activities, medication, injections, and physiotherapy. Endoscopic or open surgical decompression is recommended in patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms after conservative treatment or in those who may have masses compressing the sciatic nerve. Many physicians remain unfamiliar with this syndrome and there is a lack of relevant literature. This comprehensive review aims to provide the latest information about the epidemiology, aetiology, pathology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(5):556-567.

Infected Hematoma After Endoscopic Sciatic Nerve Decompression

We present a 24-year-old male who developed an infected hematoma that resulted in sciatic nerve injury after he underwent an endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression. He underwent urgent hematoma evacuation and cultures speciated as Salmonella. At 4 months’ follow-up, the patient’s nerve had improved motor and sensory function. This case highlights the importance of obtaining appropriate hemostasis at the end of an endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression.

Editorial Commentary: Gluteal Pain Syndrome of the Hip: It's Been There All Along!

The diagnosis and management of deep gluteal syndrome of the hip is currently evolving and the lack of prospective studies makes it even more difficult to discern what is the appropriate treatment. The communication between physicians managing this problem needs to improve to coordinate care better and limit the amount of unnecessary studies that these patients typically undergo.