Piriformis syndrome is a condition which is believed to result from nerve compression at the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. It is a specific case of deep gluteal syndrome.

The largest and most bulky nerve in the human body is the sciatic nerve. Starting at its origin it is 2 cm wide and 0.5 cm thick. The sciatic nerve forms the roots of L4-S3 segments of the lumbosacral plexus. The nerve will pass inferiorly to the piriformis muscle, in the direction of the lower limb where it divides into common tibial and fibular nerves. Symptoms may include pain and numbness in the buttocks and down the leg. Often symptoms are worsened with sitting or running.

Causes may include trauma to the gluteal muscle, spasms of the piriformis muscle, anatomical variation, or an overuse injury. Few cases in athletics, however, have been described. Diagnosis is difficult as there is no definitive test. A number of physical exam maneuvers can be supportive. Medical imaging is typically normal. Other conditions that may present similarly include a herniated disc.

Treatment may include avoiding activities that cause symptoms, stretching, physiotherapy, and medication such as NSAIDs. Steroid or botulinum toxin injections may be used in those who do not improve. Surgery is not typically recommended. The frequency of the condition is unknown, with different groups arguing it is more or less common.

The piriformis is a flat, pear-shaped muscle. The thicker side of the piriformis is medial (closer to the center of the body). The function of the piriformis is as an external thigh rotator. When the hip is extended, such as standing, the piriformis rotates the thigh outwards. When the hip is flexed, such as sitting, the piriformis abducts the hip (spreading the legs). The piriformis originates at the anterior surface of the sacrum, passes through the greater sciatic foramen, and inserts at the greater trochanter.

The sciatic nerve is the largest peripheral nerve in the body and innervates significant portions of the skin and muscles of the thigh, leg, and foot. The sciatic nerve originates from spinal nerves L4-S3. It forms in the pelvis from nerves of the sacral plexus, and exits the greater sciatic foramen just underneath the piriformis. A number of anatomic variations exist in the branching pattern of sciatic nerve around the piriformis, such as passing over, through, or under the piriformis, as well as early branching into the tibial nerve and common peroneal nerve before passing the piriformis.

Patients with piriformis syndrome may have some of the following symptoms:

There are also some reports of gluteal atrophy on the same side as the symptoms for chronic cases, but this is less commonly seen.