PERISCIATIC INJECTION OF STEROID FOR THE TREATMENT OF SCIATICA DUE TOPIRIFORMIS SYNDROME

Background and Objectives. Piriformis syndrome causing sciatica is som etimes refractory to conventional treatments including physical therap y, piriformis injections, and even caudal epidural steroid injections. Surgical release of the piriformis muscle has been described for diff icult cases of piriformis syndrome, but is occasionally accompanied by morbidity. Another approach to treating piriformis syndrome is presen ted. Methods. A perisciatic injection of steroid using simple landmark s and utilizing a nerve stimulator to locate and inject near the sciat ic nerve and into the piriformis muscle is described. Results. Six pat ients that did not respond to conventional treatments, but did respond to perisciatic steroid injections are presented. CT scan, in one of t he patients, confirmed correct needle placement when this technique an d landmarks were used. Conclusion. Patients with piriformis syndrome w ho were refractory to conventional treatments but responded to perisci atic injections of steroid are presented.