Topographical variations of the sciatic nerve in Pakistani population

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to find the topographical variations in the sciatic nerve. Embalmed lower limbs of 30 male cadavers, age range between 30-60 years were dissected and examined at the Anatomy Departments of Khyber medical College, Peshawar, Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar, and Bolan Medical College, Quetta. Ten cadavers were dissected at each Anatomy Department. Variations in the sciatic nerve were observed. Variations were observed in the course of the sciatic nerve. In 88.33% of the cases the sciatic nerve emerged from the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen beneath the piriformis muscle. In 5% of the cases it emerged as a single trunk passing through the piriformis muscle and in 6.66% of the cases it emerged as two separate trunks. In 60% of the cases the Sciatic nerve divided at the apex of the popliteal fossa. In 3.33% of the cases the sciatic nerve divided in the politeal fossa. In 31.66% of the cases the sciatic nerve divided at variable levels between the apex of the popliteal fossa and the greater sciatic foramen. In 5% cases it was observed that the sciatic nerve divided inside pelvis. Sciatic nerve shows considerable variations in its course through the back of thigh. In 11.66% of the cases atypical course of sciatic nerve was observed as it emerged from the pelvis and in 39.99% of the cases variations were observed in the division of the sciatic nerve into its terminal branches