1
|
Farfán E, Rojas S, Olivé-Vilás R, Rodríguez-Baeza A. Innervation patterns of hamstring muscles, including morphological descriptions and clinical implication. Surg Radiol Anat 2024; 46:749-760. [PMID: 38652253 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-024-03371-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The hamstrings muscles are innervated by sciatic nerve branches. However, previous studies assessing which and how many branches innervate each muscle have yielded discrepant results. This study investigated the innervation patterns of hamstrings. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-five cadaver limbs were investigated. The average age of subjects was 78.6 ± 17.2 years, with 48.6% male and 51.4% female, while 57.1% were right limbs and 42.9% left. The sciatic nerve, hamstrings and associated structures were dissected. The number of nerve branches for each muscle and the level where they penetrated the muscle were recorded. RESULTS The sciatic nerve was connected by a fibrous band to the long head of the biceps femoris. This muscle was innervated by either one or two branches, which penetrated the muscle into its superior or middle third. The short head of the biceps femoris was innervated by a single nerve that usually penetrated its middle third, but sometimes inferiorly or, less commonly, superiorly. The semitendinosus was always innervated by two branches, the superior branch penetrating its upper third, the inferior mostly the middle third. The semimembranosus usually was innervated by a single nerve branch that penetrated the muscle at its middle or lower third. Four specimens revealed common nerves that innervated than one muscle. CONCLUSIONS We have characterized hamstring innervation patterns, knowledge that is relevant to neurolysis, surgery of the thigh, and other procedures. Moreover, a mechanical connection between the sciatic nerve and biceps femoris long head was identified that could explain certain neuralgias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Farfán
- Anatomy Department, Medicine School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins #340, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Santiago Rojas
- Department of Morphological Sciences (Human Anatomy and Embryology Unit), Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramón Olivé-Vilás
- Sports Medicine Department, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa- CAR Sant Cugat, Barcelona, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfonso Rodríguez-Baeza
- Department of Morphological Sciences (Human Anatomy and Embryology Unit), Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Branca JJV, Guarnieri G, Morelli A, Benedini C, Fagni N, Gulisano M, Pacini A, Paternostro F. Sciatic Nerve and Its Anatomical Variations: In-Depth Understanding Acquired During Dissection Classes. Cureus 2024; 16:e60083. [PMID: 38860073 PMCID: PMC11163462 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of anatomical variability is extremely important in order to better understand the etiology of pain, if present, or to avoid iatrogenic consequences. Sometimes the anatomical "anomalies" have the same anamnesis but different causes. For example, sciatic neuralgia may be caused by a herniated disc or it may have a different origin. The sciatic nerve (SN), also known as the ischial nerve, is the widest in the human body. This huge peripheral nerve originates from the roots of the lumbosacral plexus (L4-S3) and passes through the great sciatic foramen, under the piriformis muscle (PM). However, there is much variability in the pattern of SNs about the muscle, which has been known since the first half of the 20th century. In the present study, we describe six different case reports of anatomical variations of the SN and its interplay with the PM. The observations were made during dissection classes at the ICLO Teaching and Research Centre (Verona, Italy), on both male and female cadavers aged between 58 and 84 years. The SN was reported as a single and divided nerve into the tibial nerve (TN) and the common peroneal nerve (CPN), passing alone above, below, or between the PM. However, the two parts of the SN may also interact with the PM in different ways, adding to the anatomical variability. A thorough knowledge of the anatomical variations in any part of the human body is extremely important. The various techniques used, from imaging to autopsy or surgery, are also useful in the SN pathway. Thus, the anatomical features and the understanding of each variation are useful for a correct approach that can lead to an effective and correct treatment with a favorable outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, ITA
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, ITA
| | - Carlo Benedini
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, ICLO Teaching and Research Center, Verona, ITA
| | - Niccolò Fagni
- Otorinolaringoiatry, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese (UOSA), Siena, ITA
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, ITA
| | - Alessandra Pacini
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, ITA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sharma S, Kaur H, Verma N, Adhya B. Looking beyond Piriformis Syndrome: Is It Really the Piriformis? Hip Pelvis 2023; 35:1-5. [PMID: 36937215 PMCID: PMC10020728 DOI: 10.5371/hp.2023.35.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Piriformis syndrome is a common differential diagnosis related to sciatica. The following review provides a concise synopsis of the diagnosis, management, history, and alternatives to diagnosis of piriformis syndrome. A search of the literature for research articles related to piriformis syndrome and associated differential diagnosis of sciatica was conducted. A thorough review of the included articles found that the condition known as piriformis syndrome is over-diagnosed and that potential anatomic and biomechanical variations originating in the pelvic region might be related to the complaint of sciatica. The criteria for diagnosis are based on findings from both physical examination and radio imaging. Piriformis syndrome resembles a variety of clinical conditions; therefore, conduct of future studies should include development of a validated method for evaluation as well as clinical criteria for diagnosis of piriformis syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shivam Sharma
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Physiotherapy Section, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Harmanpreet Kaur
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Physiotherapy Section, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Nishank Verma
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Physiotherapy Section, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Bibek Adhya
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Physiotherapy Section, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
A C, R C, N B, G DI. Compression therapy, autonomic nervous system, and heart rate variability: A narrative review and our preliminary personal experience. Phlebology 2022; 37:739-753. [DOI: 10.1177/02683555221135321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Aims To highlight the relationship among compression therapy (CT), the autonomic nervous system (ANS) (parasympathetic and sympathetic system), and the heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Background Beyond the typical analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of CT in patients affected by venous and/or lymphatic diseases, some literature about CT influence on wellbeing has been published as well. More specifically, CT influence on the ANS has been elucidated mostly through HRV application, providing useful quali-quantitative data for scientific and clinical purposes. Material and Methods A literature search was performed through several web-based search engines to investigate the available evidence concerning the possible influence of CT on the ANS and on psychoneuroendocrineimmunology. Moreover, we examined literature data regarding HRV use in the assessment of CT. Lastly, a preliminary cross-over study was performed on 10 patients affected by phlebolymphedema of the lower limbs, undergoing CT with 18–21 mmHg stockings for 10 h and investigated by means of HRV. Results A CT-based increase of the anti-inflammatory activity of the parasympathetic (vagal) system has been elucidated in most scientific literature. Similarly, CT application has generally resulted in an improvement of HRV, which indicates a beneficial influence on the ANS. In our preliminary experience with compression stockings and HRV, two parasympathetic-based parameters improved by 22.8% and 68.0% after 10 h, whereas they decreased in the same subjects without stockings by 2.7% and 8.2%, during normal breathing. The remaining HRV parameters did not show relevant variations, especially during diaphragmatic breathing. Conclusions From literature data and based on our very preliminary experience, it is possible to deduce that CT exerts different effects on the psychobiological parameters of the individual, overall improving HRV and parasympathetic activity. Incorporating both HRV/ANS assessment in phlebolymphology and the beneficial neural action of CT in health care may represent viable options in the future biomedical science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cavezzi A
- Eurocenter Venalinfa, San Benedetto Del Tronto (AP), Italy
| | - Colucci R
- Eurocenter Venalinfa, San Benedetto Del Tronto (AP), Italy
| | - Barsotti N
- CMO-Centro di Medicina Osteopatica, Firenze, Italy
| | - Di Ionna G
- Strategic Nutrition Center, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Güleç GG, Aktaş İ, Ü. Özkan F. Radiological Comparison of Femoral Neck-Shaft Angle in Piriformis Syndrome: A Case-Control Study. Indian J Orthop 2022; 56:1950-1957. [PMID: 36310548 PMCID: PMC9561468 DOI: 10.1007/s43465-022-00736-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Variations in osseous, neural and muscular anatomical structures in the gluteal region have been investigated for their role in causing deep gluteal pain syndromes including piriformis syndrome. This study aimed to radiologically determine whether the femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA) in piriformis syndrome differs from that in a healthy population. Methods Two groups of participants comprising 23 piriformis syndrome patients and 22 healthy controls were included in the present study. Piriformis syndrome was diagnosed based on clinical findings and the diagnosis was confirmed by intramuscular local anaesthetic injection. Femoral NSAs were measured from the anteroposterior pelvic radiographs and compared between the control and piriformis syndrome-affected groups. Results The age, height, body weight, body mass index and gender distribution differences between the two groups (control and piriformis) were not statistically significant. The femur NSA was significantly lower in the piriformis group than in the control group. The receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity for predicting the risk of piriformis syndrome (PS) were 0.946%, 100% and 86.36%, respectively, at an NSA cut-off of 127°. Conclusions Reduced femoral NSA is related to PS. However, studies with a larger study sample are needed to further substantiate this finding. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-022-00736-y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gamze G. Güleç
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, E 5 Karayolu üstü, İçerenköy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İlknur Aktaş
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, E 5 Karayolu üstü, İçerenköy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Feyza Ü. Özkan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, E 5 Karayolu üstü, İçerenköy, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Anatomical Variations of the Sciatic Nerve Exit from the Pelvis and Its Relationship with the Piriformis Muscle: A Cadaveric Study. Neurol Int 2022; 14:894-902. [PMID: 36412694 PMCID: PMC9680267 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint14040072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sciatic nerve (SN) is the widest nerve of the human body that exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, usually below the piriformis muscle (PM), and descends between the greater trochanter of the femur and ischial tuberosity of the pelvis to the knee. The aim of this paper is to examine and identify the SN variations in relation to the PM, its prevalence, pattern, and course. METHODS A prospective-descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the frequency of anatomical variations in the exit of the SN in relation with the PM in 20 anatomical bodies (corpses) of both genders, in equal numbers. RESULTS The dissection of 40 SNs in corpses of both sexes in equal numbers showed that the SN exited inferior to the PM in 37 lower limbs (92.5%); between the fascicles of the PM and inferior to the PM in two lower limbs (5%); and in one thigh, between the fascicles of the PM and superior to the PM (2.5%). Our study reported that the SN divides in its terminal branches more commonly in the proximal part of the popliteal fossa in 55% of cases, in the gluteal region in 35% of cases, and in the middle third of the thigh in 10% of cases. CONCLUSIONS Anatomical variations of the SN in relation to the PM are challenging for the diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in many clinical and surgical cases. Rapid recognition of the SN changes makes surgical approaches more accurate and effective. Our study confirmed that the SN exits the pelvis most commonly below the PM, although some anatomical variations may occur.
Collapse
|
7
|
Güleç GG, Kurt Oktay KN, Aktaş İ, Yılmaz B. Visualizing Anatomic Variants of the Sciatic Nerve Using Diagnostic Ultrasound During Piriformis Muscle Injection: An Example of 4 Cases. J Chiropr Med 2022; 21:213-219. [PMID: 36118109 PMCID: PMC9479178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcm.2022.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this article is to present examples of patients in whom piriformis muscle (PM) and sciatic nerve (SN) variations were detected by a diagnostic ultrasound (US)-guided examination and were successfully diagnosed and treated for piriformis syndrome (PS) by US-guided injections. Clinical Features This series includes 4 cases. In case 1, a 30-year-old woman with a 7 numeric rating scale (NRS) score for pain (on a 0-10 scale) was evaluated for complaints of left gluteal pain radiating to the thigh for 5 years and right gluteal pain for 2 years. Case 2 involves a 32-year-old man with a 7 NRS score presenting with left gluteal pain radiating to his leg for 1 year. The third case presents a 37-year-old man who had pain (6 NRS score), numbness, and discomfort radiating from the right hip to the leg that lasted for 7 years. Finally, in case 4, a 23-year-old male patient was examined with deep gluteal paresthesia and discomfort on the left side for 1 year. Intervention and Outcome Diagnostic US evaluation of the gluteal region for each patient revealed anatomical variations of the SN. In 3 of the cases, corresponding contralateral US images demonstrated similar anatomic variations. Diagnosis of PS in each patient was made by US-guided injection. After the injection of 4 cm3 of lidocaine 2% into the PM, the patients' complaints resolved almost fully. Conclusion The anatomical variations of the SN and PM might be a facilitating factor for myofascial pain syndrome in PS. These cases demonstrate that SN variations could be visualized with the help of diagnostic US.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Gül Güleç
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Corresponding author: Gamze Gül Güleç, MD, FSM EAH, H Blok 1, Kat E5 Karayolu Üzeri İçerenköy, Ataşehir, İstanbul
| | | | - İlknur Aktaş
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Barış Yılmaz
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Park JW, Lee YK, Lee YJ, Shin S, Kang Y, Koo KH. Deep gluteal syndrome as a cause of posterior hip pain and sciatica-like pain. Bone Joint J 2020; 102-B:556-567. [PMID: 32349600 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.102b5.bjj-2019-1212.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung Wee Park
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Young-Kyun Lee
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Yun Jong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Seunghwan Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Yusuhn Kang
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Hoi Koo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine Seongnam, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|