Variations of Sciatic Nerve Bifurcation in Dissected Cadaveres from Ethiopia and their Clinical Implication: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT

Background: The tibial and common peroneal nerves are dorsal and ventral divisions of the ventral rami of L4 to S3 of the lumbosacral plexus that join to form the sciatic nerve. The two nerves are structurally separate and supply the posterior compartment of the thigh, the leg and the foot. The point of bifurcation or separation of the sciatic nerve into tibial and common peroneal nerve varies. The common site is at the junction of the middle and lower third of the back of the thigh, near the apex of the popliteal fossa, but division may occur at any point above this. It may also rarely occur below it. The variations in the bifurcation of the sciatic nerve have clinical implications. They may result in nerve injury during deep intramuscular injections in the gluteal region, sciatica, piriformis syndrome etc. This study is to report the variations of the bifurcation in the sciatic nerve found in the cadaveres from Ethiopia, and discuss the clinical implications of such variations. Conclusion: We conclude from this study that the bifurcation of the sciatic nerve could occur high up in the gluteal region in relation to the piriformis muscle and may present clinical challenges in patient management.