The Importance of Gluteus Maximus Muscle in Patients With Preliminary Diagnosis of Piriformis Syndrome: Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind, Crossover Study

Piriformis syndrome is a painful clinical picture caused by entrapment of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle at the exit of the pelvis, which causes pain in the gluteal region. It is characterized by symptoms of pain and numbness radiating from the thigh to the leg along the hip and sciatic trace. Compression/irritation of the sciatic nerve in or around the piriformis muscle constitutes the neuropathic component of the syndrome. Myofascial pain of the piriformis muscle is the primary cause of the somatic component of the syndrome. Various causes have been reported: congenital anomalies of piriformis muscle or sciatic nerve, trauma, overuse, muscle hypertrophy, shortening of the muscle, infection within the muscle, and leg length discrepancy. History, physical examination and ultrasound guided diagnostic injection test are key elements for the diagnosis.

Another cause of pain in the gluteal region is myofascial pain syndrome of gluteus maximus muscle. Myofascial pain syndrome is a largely underdiagnosed and undertreated entity. Prevalence varies from 30 to 93% among the persons with musculoskeletal pain. Myofascial pain syndrome is a syndrome characterized by acute or chronic regional pain originating from localized trigger points in the muscle and fascia. Traumatic events, muscular overloads, psychological stress, and systemic pathology may lead to development of one or more palpable bands or trigger points. Myofascial pain syndrome affecting the gluteus maximus muscle causes pain in the medial and lower parts of the muscle; It is characterized by pain that usually radiates throughout the hip and sometimes into the coccygeal region. The diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome is based on a pertinent history and physical examination.

The purpose of the study is; to evaluate the myofascial pain syndrome of gluteus maximus muscle and piriformis syndrome with physical examination, special clinical tests, ultrasonographic examinations and, to confirm the presence of myofascial pain syndrome of gluteus maximus muscle accompanying piriformis syndrome with the evaluation of clinical findings after the gluteus maximus and piriformis muscle diagnostic injections.