My Orthopaedic Surgeon

Piriformis syndrome has remained a controversial diagnosis since its initial description in 1928. Piriformis syndrome usually is caused by a neuritis of the proximal sciatic nerve. The piriformis muscle can either irritate or compress the proximal sciatic nerve due to spasm and/or contracture, and this problem can mimic a diskogenic sciatica (pseudosciatica).
Synonyms and related keywords: hip socket neuropathy, pseudosciatica, wallet sciatica, deep gluteal syndrome, pyriformis syndrome
Milton J Klein, DO, MBA 2006

Piriformis syndrome is characterized by pain and instability. The location of the pain is often imprecise, but it is often present in the hip, coccyx, buttock, groin, or distal part of the leg. The history and physical findings are key elements in differentiating the more common forms of LBP and piriformis syndrome. The literature and general knowledge on piriformis syndrome is limited, compared with that of sciatica or disk herniation. However, the common findings associated with piriformis syndrome are agreed upon.