Accomplishments
The Study of Division of Sciatic Nerve in 100 Specimens with Its Clinical Significance
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Aim: To study the division of Sciatic nerve. Materials & Methods: This study on division of sciatic nerve was performed on 50 (100 specimens of Inferior Extremities) embalmed donated cadavers (45 males & 5 females) in the department of Anatomy of K.J.Somaiya Medical College, Sion, Mumbai, India. In order to study the level of division of the sciatic nerve the 100 specimens were classified into six groups depending on the level of sciatic nerve division in the gluteal region, the upper, middle and lower parts of the back of the thigh, and the popliteal fossa. Observations: The highest incidence of sciatic nerve division (53%) was observed in the lower part of the back of the thigh. In 22% of the specimens, the sciatic nerve was dividing proximal to its entrance in the gluteal region. In 12% of the specimens, the sciatic nerve was dividing into the tibial and common peroneal nerves in the middle part of the back of the thigh. In 8% of the specimens, the sciatic nerve was dividing into the tibial and common peroneal nerves in the popliteal fossa. In 3% of the specimens, the sciatic nerve was dividing into the tibial and common peroneal nerves in the upper part of the back of the thigh. The lowest incidence of the sciatic nerve division (only 2%) was observed in the gluteal region. Conclusion: In sciatic nerve neuropathies, the extent of neurological deficits depends on the level of the sciatic nerve division. Sciatic nerve division into the tibial and common peroneal components at a higher level can result in the involvement of only one out of the two divisions in sciatic neuropathy. It can also result in a failure of the sciatic nerve block while performing popliteal block anaesthesia. These anatomical variations may contribute to clinical conditions such as piriformis syndrome, sciatica and coccygodynia.