Piriformis syndrome involves compression of which nerve by the piriformis muscle, usually unilateral?

Piriformis syndrome involves compression of which nerve by the piriformis muscle, usually unilateral?

• A. Sciatic nerve
• B. Femoral nerve
• C. Median nerve
• D. Ulnar nerve

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that piriformis syndrome arises when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. The piriformis runs from the sacrum to the greater trochanter, and the sciatic nerve travels near or beneath it as it exits the pelvis. When the muscle is tight, in spasm, or inflamed, it can press on the nerve, causing buttock pain that may radiate down the back of the leg, often on one side. The other nerves listed are involved in different regions (femoral in the front thigh; median and ulnar in the arm/hand), so they aren’t typically implicated in this muscular compression. The unilateral presentation fits with a localized issue on one side rather than a systemic nerve problem.

The main idea is that piriformis syndrome arises when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. The piriformis runs from the sacrum to the greater trochanter, and the sciatic nerve travels near or beneath it as it exits the pelvis. When the muscle is tight, in spasm, or inflamed, it can press on the nerve, causing buttock pain that may radiate down the back of the leg, often on one side. The other nerves listed are involved in different regions (femoral in the front thigh; median and ulnar in the arm/hand), so they aren’t typically implicated in this muscular compression. The unilateral presentation fits with a localized issue on one side rather than a systemic nerve problem.