Use of Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Piriformis Syndrome: A Review for Rehabilitation Providers

Piriformis Syndrome (PS) is a neuromuscular condition caused by the entrapment of the sciatic nerve at the level of the piriformis muscle (PM) and can cause significant discomfort and disability. PS is often misdiagnosed due to its overlapping symptoms with other lumbar and sciatic issues and as suc...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Robert C. Manske, Chris Wolfe, Phil Page, Michael Voight, Beth Bardowski
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: North American Sports Medicine Institute 2024-06-01
Series:International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.118145
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Piriformis Syndrome (PS) is a neuromuscular condition caused by the entrapment of the sciatic nerve at the level of the piriformis muscle (PM) and can cause significant discomfort and disability. PS is often misdiagnosed due to its overlapping symptoms with other lumbar and sciatic issues and as such, diagnosing PS remains challenging despite recent invasive and non-invasive diagnostic methods. Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) offers a non-invasive, cost-effective alternative for the identification and evaluation of PS, providing dynamic, real-time imaging of the PM and adjacent structures. This article reviews the applications, advantages, and procedural insights of MSK US in the diagnosis of PS, emphasizing its relevance in rehabilitation settings. We discuss the technical aspects of ultrasound use, interpretation of findings, and integration into clinical practice, aiming to enhance the diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes for patients with suspected PS.
ISSN:2159-2896