What is Priformis Syndrome?
The priformis muscle is the weakest of the external rotators of the hip. However, since it becomes active especially during hip flexion, it can be easily injured by encountering greater loads than other muscles. Priformis injury can create the typical sciatic nerve area (drop foot and loss of strength in toe elevation) in the acute phase. This situation is temporary.
When the priformis edema decreases and the pressure disappears, it can disappear after 2-3 weeks of rest. In chronic cases, the priformis hardened and thickened. By pressing the sciatic nerve just below it, this time it causes pain that does not decrease at rest.
What are the Symptoms of Priformis Syndrome?
Pain that increases when standing for a long time
Weakness in the leg
Difficulty walking
Pain and numbness radiating to the back of the leg
Pain in the hip and coccyx
How Is Priformis Syndrome Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is difficult, pressure may not be revealed by MRI. EMG can also be confused with root compression, even if there is a herniated disc surgery. Most patients mention sciatica pain that does not decrease despite previous lumbar hernia surgery. In this case, the priformis should be loosened and the sciatica trapped in the canal should be relieved. The patient's complaints decrease and the nerve begins to repair itself.
Although surgical treatment is mostly an open surgery, we perform the procedure with endoscopy through a 1 cm hole.