Endoscopic release of the piriformis tendon and sciatic nerve exploration.

Robinson, in 1947 introduced for the first time the term 'piriformis syndrome'. More recently, many etiologies of sciatic nerve entrapment around the gluteal region or the non-discogenic area have been identified, resulting in the use of a new term 'The Deep Gluteal Syndrome'. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes following the endoscopic release of sciatic nerve entrapment. Type of study is a consecutive case series. Fifteen patients were diagnosed with sciatic nerve entrapment from January 2012 to December 2015, all of them were treated with endoscopic release of the piriformis tendon and sciatic nerve exploration on lateral decubitus position. Every patient had a minimum follow-up to 2 years. The patient-reported outcome scores used included the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), pain was estimated on a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Benson outcomes questionnaire. The patient's mean age was 40.2 years (range, 28-50 years). The score improvement from pre-operative to 24-month follow-up was 46.8-84.9 for mHHS (P <0.05). The VAS decreased from pre-operative to 24-month follow-up was 7.4-1.86 (P < 0.05). The Benson outcome ratings were excellent for 11 patients, good for 3 and fair for 1. The Endoscopic Release of the Piriformis Tendon and Sciatic Nerve Exploration showed an improvement of functions, diminishing pain and allowing patients to return to daily activities without symptoms (Level of Evidence: IV).

Endoscopic Release of the Piriformis Tendon and Sciatic Nerve Exploration by the Lateral Decubitus Approach Through an Incision on the Iliotibial Band.

Entrapment of the sciatic nerve is considered a challenging problem for orthopaedic surgeons. Many surgical interventions (open or endoscopic) have been described as treatments. We describe an endoscopic technique for release of the piriformis tendon and sciatic nerve exploration by the lateral approach through an incision on the iliotibial band.