An unusual cause of sciatic pain as a result of the dynamic motion of the obturator internus muscle

Background contextIt has been reported that compression of the sciatic nerve because of any cause, including endometriosis, piriformis syndrome, abscess, tumor, adjoining uterus provoke sciatic pain. Some of these pathophysiologies have been diagnosed clinically and sometimes by exclusion.PurposeTo discuss the clinical features of sciatic neuropathy under the belief that dynamic motion of the obturator internus muscle and tendon should be included in the differential diagnosis of sciatic neuropathy.Study designSciatic neuropathy, which was because of compression of the sciatic nerve caused by dynamic motion of the tendon and muscle of the obturator internus, was reported.MethodsWe performed surgery to confirm the outlet of the pelvis.ResultsAlthough no compression was provoked by the piriformis muscle, obvious compression was observed on the sciatic nerve by the stretched obturator internus muscle.ConclusionsAlthough it may not be common, compression of the sacral plexus caused by dynamic motion of the obturator internus muscle should be included as a possible diagnosis for sciatic pain.     

Tomakulöse Neuropathie (HNPP) als Ursache einer verzögerten Parese des N. femoralis nach Hüfttotalendoprothesenimplantation

Delayed lesions of the femoral or sciatic nerve are a rare complication after total hip arthroplasty. Several cases in association with cement edges, scar tissue, broken cerclages, deep hematoma, or reinforcement rings have been published. We report about a 62-year-old female who developed a pure motor paresis of the quadriceps muscle 2 weeks after total hip arthroplasty. After electrophysiological evaluation had revealed an isolated femoral nerve lesion, revision of the femoral nerve was performed. During operative revision no pathologic findings could be seen. One week later the patient developed paralysis of the left wrist and finger extensors after using crutches. Electrophysiological evaluation revealed several nerve conduction blocks in physiological entrapments and the diagnosis of hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) was established. Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is a rare disease with increased vulnerability of the peripheral nerve system with mostly reversible sensorimotor deficits. It should be taken into consideration in cases of atypical findings of compression syndromes of peripheral nerves or delayed neuropathy, e. g., after total hip arthroplasty.     

Síndrome piramidal y variaciones anatómicas como causa de dolor ciático insidioso

The case is presented of a 42 year old woman who had been suffering a loss of strength in her left leg for six years. After an extensive diagnostic study, the pain was classified as of functional origin by a diagnosis of exclusion. Since then, the patient has tried all kind of drug treatments and conservative techniques without improvement. After an exhaustive study with inconclusive results, the case was discussed with the Orthopaedics Department, who performed an exploratory surgery, in which compression of the sciatic nerve due to an anatomical variation of the piriformis muscle was observed. Part of the muscle was resected during surgery and the sciatic nerve was freed, after which the patient experienced a great improvement.     

External iliac artery thrombus masquerading as sciatic nerve palsy in anterior column fracture of the acetabulum

We report a case of ischemic neuropathy of the sciatic nerve in a patient with an anterior column fracture of the acetabulum operated by ilioinguinal approach. It resulted from occlusion of the blood supply to the sciatic nerve. There were no signs of a vascular insult until ischemic changes ensued on the 6^th postoperative day on the lateral part of great toe. The patient underwent crossover femoro-femoral bypass grafting and there was a complete reversal of the ischemic changes at 6 months. The sciatic nerve palsy continued to recover until the end of 1 year; by which time the only deficit was a Grade 4 power in the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) and the extensor digitorum longus (EDL). There was no further recovery at 2 years followup.     

Pyriformis syndrome in a 10-year-old boy as a complication of operation with the patient in the sitting position

We present a case of sciatic neuropathy due to the pyriformis syndrome after operation in the sitting position. Neither sciatic nerve injury nor the pyriformis syndrome has been reported after operation in the sitting position, although a low incidence of common peroneal nerve injury has been reported as a complication of operation on patients who are in the sitting position. The clinical findings of sciatic neuropathy, external rotation of the ipsilateral foot in the position of comfort, and a therapeutic response to local anesthetic injection into the pyriformis muscle are diagnostic of the syndrome. Nerve conduction studies should be performed to aid in the differentiation between a common peroneal and sciatic neuropathy. The syndrome may occur because of extreme flexion of the hips and prolonged pressure while in the sitting position, leading to pyriformis muscle trauma, resultant spasm, and sciatic compression. The prognosis is for complete recovery after symptomatic treatment with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication and physical therapy.     

Ultrasound guidance for difficult lateral popliteal catheter insertion in a patient with peripheral vascular disease

OBJECTIVE: Interest in ultrasound-guided nerve block is increasing, but clinical utility still is being determined. We report a case in which ultrasound imaging aided nerve localization during popliteal block. CASE REPORT: We report a case in which failure of nerve stimulation to locate the sciatic nerve at the popliteal fossa in a patient with underlying neuropathy was overcome by ultrasound guidance, which allowed quick and easy catheter placement. After failure of the stimulation technique, ultrasound permitted us to observe advancement of the needle, placement of the catheter, and spread of local anesthetic around the nerve. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound guidance can facilitate lateral popliteal catheter insertion in patients in whom electrolocation has failed.     

Myositis ossificans of the hip joint causing sciatic nerve palsy following Guillain-barré syndrome: A case report

Introduction and importanceMyositis ossificans of the hip is a rare entity caused by trauma and neurological conditions which lead to lamellar bone formation around the joint.Case presentationWe present a 47 years old patient with myositis ossificans of the left and the piriformis muscle following Guillain Barré syndrome causing sciatic nerve palsy (Piriformis syndrome).Clinical discussionClinical assessment revealed global limitation of the left hip movements and palpable bony mass on the lateral aspect of the left hip. Radiographs and computed tomography showed extensive myositis ossificans of the left hip and non-bridging calcification noted on the asymptomatic right side. During initial medical management and physiotherapy patient developed sciatic nerve palsy due to piriformis syndrome and ankylosis of the hip on the left side. Surgical exploration of the sciatic nerve and debridement of the hip. The left hip was found ankylosed and not salvageable. Uncemented total hip arthroplasty was carried out in the session. The patient recovered completely from sciatic nerve palsy and regained the range of motion of the hip. He is under follow-up for the recurrence of myositis ossificans.ConclusionGuillain-barré syndrome causing piriformis syndrome is a rare entity. Extensive myositis ossificans causing sciatic nerve palsy is even rarer. An awareness of this entity, early detection, and intervention of this condition may help to preserve the native hip.     

Combined ulnar and carpal tunnel syndrome caused by pigmented villo-nodular tenosynovitis: a rare case

Pigmented villo-nodular synovitis/tenosynovitis (PVNS) is a rare cause of combined ulnar and median nerve compression neuropathy at the wrist. In our case, a 53-year-old house-wife had sensorial and motor complaints at her left hand. In clinical examination, painless soft tissue mass was palpated at her wrist and both the tenar and hypotenar muscles were atrophic. Electromyography showed prolonged distal latencies for median and ulnar nerve. A space-occupying soft tissue lesion was revealed in magnetic resonance imaging. Carpal tunnel and Guyon canal were released and lesion was excised. PVNS was confirmed by histopathological examination. If compression neuropathy of medial and ulnar nerves together is caused by a space-occupying lesion, PVNS should be considered in etiology.     

Unusual presentation of sciatica in a 14-year-old girl

The sciatic nerve can be compressed by a variety of causes, while intervertebral disc herniation is the most common cause of sciatica [Surg. Neurol. 46 (1996) 14], other documented causes include, infection, neoplasm, degenerative disease of a spine, congenital anomalies and traumatic posterior hip dislocation [BMJ 287 (1983) 157]. Sciatic neuropathy in children is uncommon. We present an unusual case of sciatic nerve compression in a 14-year-old-girl that was caused by an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity. The compression was relieved by surgical excision of the avulsed ischial tuberosity.     

Foot reanimation via nerve transfer to the peroneal nerve using the nerve branch to the lateral gastrocnemius: Case report

Injury to the peroneal nerve can be devastating to a patient’s daily function. By paralyzing the ankle dorsiflexors, peroneal neuropathy results in foot drop. Gait difficulties and other functional limitations impede these patients on a daily basis. Knee and ankle injuries, lacerations, and compression are only a few of many etiologies which make peroneal nerve palsy the most common neuropathy of the lower limb. We present a case of peroneal nerve palsy secondary to an ACL and lateral collateral ligament tears. This 18 year old male underwent foot reanimation via nerve transfer to the peroneal nerve using the branch from the lateral gastrocenus to tibalias anterior muscle branch. The patient was followed and assessed for function during the subsequent two years. This case reports provides a synopsis of this patient’s surgical treatment, as well as a glance into the literature surrounding peroneal nerve transfer.     

Extrinsic compression neuropathy of the tibial nerve secondary to accessory soleus muscle in a young teenager

Compression neuropathy of the tibial nerve or one of its terminal branches (tarsal tunnel syndrome) is relatively uncommon. Accessory musculature on the posteromedial aspect of the ankle is a rare extrinsic cause of compression. Therefore, it should be considered in patients with prolonged manifestations of tibial nerve compression. A detailed history and physical examination, together with proper radiological evaluation, allow for accurate diagnosis. In this case report, a 13-year old female teenager on history, physical examination, and imaging studies was diagnosed as compression neuropathy of the tibial nerve secondary to accessory soleus muscle. After surgical excision of the accessory soleus muscle with no tarsal tunnel release, the patient presented with complete resolution of her manifestations continued free of symptoms for one and half year postoperatively. The accessory soleus muscle is a potential extrinsic cause for tibial nerve compression neuropathy.Level of Clinical Evidence5.     

Delayed Sciatic Nerve Injury by Posterior Flange of Reinforcement Ring After Acetabular Revision Surgery

Delayed onset of sciatic neuropathy after total hip arthroplasty is uncommon, and late hardware-induced sciatic nerve complications are rarely reported. Here, we report a patient in whom the posterior flange of the reinforcement ring caused severe late sciatic nerve injury. Sciatic nerve radiography was useful for diagnosing flange-related sciatic nerve injury.     

Meralgia paresthetica: an unusual complication of post-cesarean analgesia.

Intramuscular (IM) injections may be associated with nerve injury, classically the sciatic nerve after intragluteal injection. We describe an unusual injury of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve following an IM injection of 100 mg meperidine and 25 mg promethazine in the anterolateral right thigh. Although the thigh is advocated as a relatively safe site for IM injection, iatrogenic neuropathy may result. Awareness of the anatomy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and avoiding injections into a partially anesthetized extremity may decrease the likelihood of recurrences.     

Das Kompartmentsyndrom am Oberschenkel mit Ischiadikusparese

Acute compartment syndrome of the thigh has been infrequently reported in the literature. Closed femoral fractures and blunt soft tissue trauma are the main causes of this injury. The multiple injured patient in this case report developed a compartment syndrome of the thigh after intramedullary nailing of a comminuted fracture of the femur. Fasciotomy was performed two days after surgery because of extense swelling of the thigh in the ventilated and sedated patient. Sciatic and femoral nerve palsy was recognized after extubation of the patient nine days after the injury. During the following weeks the paresis of the femoral nerve recovered but neither motor nor sensory function of the sciatic nerve could be demonstrated. Therefore an operative revision of the sciatic nerve was performed eighteen weeks after trauma. No direct nerve injury could be detected but there were adhesions around the nerve as a sign of compression neuropathy caused by the compartment syndrome. The tibial component of the sciatic nerve showed a complete recovery within the next months but there was a persisting peroneal nerve palsy. CONCLUSION: Early clinical symptoms of a compartment syndrome like pain, paresthesia and paresis can not be ascertained in a ventilated and sedated patient. Tense swelling of the muscles is often the only detectable sign. Frequent measurements of compartment pressure should be done in these patients. We suggest early decompressive fasciotomy because the morbidity caused by fasciotomy in a borderline compartment syndrome is far outweighed by the morbidity that accompanies an undiagnosed untreated compartment syndrome with possible nerve palsy.     

A case of postoperative palsy of the brachial plexus and facial nerve caused by use of cervical collar during lung surgery

We report a case of palsy of the brachial plexus and facial nerve manifested after surgery for lung cancer in a 77-year-old female who also had a retroodontoid pseudotumor. Lobectomy was conducted with the patient in a left lateral position. For the purpose of cervical stabilization, the orthopedic surgeon recommended the use of a cervical collar. During the operation, both of her arms were abducted at nearly 80 degrees. On the second postoperative day, the patient complained of sensory disturbances in the lateral area of her left brachium and forearm, which are innervated by the 5th and 6th cervical spinal nerves from the brachial plexus. She also complained that she could not abduct and flex her left shoulder, and could not flex her left elbow at all. Simultaneously, facial nerve palsy was observed in her left lower lip. During the operation, her shoulders were forcibly rotated internally and were extremely abducted, resulting in a narrowed distance between the lower jaw and the shoulder and stretching of the brachial plexus. Under this situation, the cervical collar was pressing strongly upon her neck and lower jaw, which might have produced the brachial plexus complication and facial nerve palsy.     

Sciatic nerve release following fracture or reconstructive surgery of the acetabulum

BACKGROUND: Sciatic neuropathy associated with acetabular fractures can result in disabling long-term symptoms. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of sciatic nerve release on sciatic neuropathy associated with acetabular fractures and reconstructive acetabular surgery. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2004, ten patients with sciatic neuropathy associated with an acetabular fracture were treated with release of the sciatic nerve from scar tissue and heterotopic bone. Additional surgical procedures included open reduction and internal fixation of the acetabulum (five patients), removal of hardware and total hip arthroplasty (three patients), and removal of hardware alone (one patient). The average age of the patients was forty-three years. All patients were followed with serial examinations and assessments for a minimum of one year (average, twenty-six months). RESULTS: All patients had partial to complete relief of radicular pain, of diminished sensation, and of paresthesias after the nerve release. Four of seven patients with motor loss and two of five patients with a footdrop demonstrated improvement in function after the nerve release. No patient had evidence of worsening on neurologic examination after the release. CONCLUSIONS: Sciatic nerve release during reconstructive acetabular surgery can decrease the sensory symptoms of preoperative sciatic neuropathy associated with a previous acetabular fracture. Motor symptoms, however, are less likely to resolve following nerve release.     

Sciatic neuropathy secondary to total hip arthroplasty wear debris.

Sciatic neuropathy after total hip arthroplasty can result from several causes. We present a case in which a large cystic mass developed around a failed total hip arthroplasty. The lesion extended through the greater sciatic notch and into the pelvis producing sciatic nerve compression. The diagnosis was delayed, and the patient underwent a laminectomy without relief of symptoms before an abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scan revealed the mass. After revision of the components and excision of the accessible portion of the lesion, the symptoms improved. Resolution of the intrapelvic portion of the mass was demonstrated on follow-up CT scan, suggesting that retroperitoneal resection of this type of lesion may not be required at the time of revision of the components.     

Intraoperative cortical somatosensory evoked potentials for detection of sciatic neuropathy during total hip arthroplasty

Approximately 3% of patients undergoing hip arthroplasty develop postoperative sciatic neuropathy. The factors associated with changes in somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) and sciatic neuropathy were examined in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty, to evaluate whether the use of intraoperative SSEP could help reduce the incidence of postoperative sciatic neuropathy. Eighty-eight patients were assigned to either monitored or unmonitored groups. SSEP were recorded following peroneal nerve stimulation, using contralateral stimulation to detect systemic influences on SSEP. Amplitude reduction of less than 50% of control and/or latency increase of greater than 10% of control was considered significant, and surgical intervention was attempted to restore SSEP. Previous surgery and a lateral incision approach tended to be associated with sciatic neuropathy (p less than 0.053). The incidence of sciatic neuropathy in the monitored group (4.3%) was not different from the unmonitored group (2.4%). Isolated reduction in amplitude or prolongation in latency of the SSEP was not predictive of postoperative neurologic function of the sciatic nerve. Six patients, two of whom developed sciatic neuropathy, demonstrated complete flattening of the SSEP. Both of these patients had flattened SSEP for two or more surgical events (p less than 0.01) and flattened SSEP were present at the end of the surgical procedure. There were no false-negative SSEP changes. Simultaneous amplitude and latency changes appear to be predictive of sciatic nerve function following hip arthroplasty.     

Delayed neuropathy of the sciatic nerve after total hip replacement with an acetabular reinforcement ring

AIM: Lesions of the sciatic or femoral nerve after THR are typical complications. Delayed neuropathies of the sciatic or femoral nerve are rare conditions. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a delayed neuropathy of the sciatic nerve after THR with reconstruction of the acetabulum with an acetabular reinforcement ring. After electrophysiologic evaluation we performed a revision of the sciatic nerve. Intraoperatively we found an impingement of the sciatic nerve between the dorsal aspect of the acetabular reinforcement ring and scar tissue. After revision of the nerve, resection of the scar tissue and interposition of a fat pad the patient was out of any complaints but reported some sensory deficits of the first toe. CONCLUSION: Using acetabular reinforcement rings for reconstruction of acetabular defects care has to be taken of the correct position. In anatomically cramped positions a protruding of the dorsal edge of the ring may cause a lesion of the sciatic nerve.