Published Paper


Variation in Termination of Sciatic Nerve- A Case Series

Thoudam Bedita Devi1*, Leon Ranjoline Guria1, Khrieketouzo Chielie2
Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Shija Academy of Health Sciences, Imphal, Manipur
Page: 966-973
Published on: 2024 December

Abstract

Introduction: The division of the sciatic nerve may occur anywhere from the sacral plexus to the popliteal fossa. During its course, the anatomy of the sciatic nerve and its branches have several anatomical variations. The separate (autonomous) development of the sciatic nervetibial and peroneal divisions could explain the source of Sciatic nerve variants during embryonic development. Material and Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy of Shija Academy of Health Sciences, Imphal, Manipur. During routine dissection of popliteal fossa, a variable division of Sciatic nerve was observed in 10 cases following which, the higher/ lower division of the nerve was traced up to its point of its division. Results: Ten cases of variable division of Sciatic Nerve were observed. Amongst these ten cases, 4 cases (40%) showed a lower level of division of Sciatic nerve i.e below the superior angle of popliteal fossa.A higher level of division of Sciatic nerve was seen in 6 cases (60%) where two cases showed division at the level of middle of back of thigh and four cases, division occurred at the lower border of Piriformis muscle. Conclusion: Sciatic nerve compression may be variable. In patients with chronic lower back pain and hip pain, such variations must be kept in mind. Also, a thorough knowledge of variations of Sciaticnerve may be helpful in diagnosing and treating associated disease without causing iatrogenic injuries.

 

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