VARIATIONS IN COURSE OF SCIATIC NERVE IN ADULT HUMAN CADAVERS

Abstract

Most of the sciatic nerve course in individuals is normal and variations in sciatic nerve is seen in approximately sixteen to twenty five percent of cases. Often sciatica is misdiagnosed. Pseudo-sciatica occurs as a result of non-spinal etiological factors. Understanding the origin and course of sciatic nerve is needed to correctly diagnose sciatica. The present study is undertaken to determine the normal course of sciatic nerve, along with its variations. Material And Methods: The following study was conducted on variation of sciatic nerve found during routine dissection of 100 cadavers for teaching purpose, in the Department of Anatomy, Govt. Medical College, Kurnool and other medical colleges in Kurnool. There were no other gross anomalies or pathologies. The skin around the area was normal and no evidence of surgery was present. The gluteal region was dissected and Gluteus maximus muscle was reflected and exposing the sciatic nerve and Piriformis muscle. Result: The incidence of variation in sciatic nerve is very low and is noted firstly in the right side of the cadaver. The occurrence of variation is 16 in 100 cadavers. Eighty four cadavers showed normal course of sciatic nerve. Out of sixteen cadavers, ten cadavers showed variation related to type b ranging 62.5% of total variations seen. Four cadavers showed type c variation ranging 25 % of total variations. Two cadavers were seen with a variation of type e ranging 12.5%. Conclusion: Sciatic nerve is the thickest, largest and longest nerve in the body. Its pathologies are also frequent in occurrence in daily life. A thorough knowledge of its anatomy and variations of sciatic nerve is required to give proper treatment plan to the patient. Also the, significance of it should not be overlooked during surgical and popliteal nerve block anaesthetic procedures.