Abstract

OLIVEIRA, Rui Jorge  and  CARMEZIM, Ilídia. Piriformis syndrome: a cause of sciatic pain. Rev Port Med Geral Fam [online]. 2019, vol.35, n.4, pp.313-317. ISSN 2182-5173.  https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v35i4.12017.

Introduction: Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder, causing 6% of all cases of sciatica. Considering this clinical report, we resumed the most relevant information that enables family doctors to recognize typical symptoms and signs of this syndrome, allowing an appropriate and timely approach. Case report: A 68-year-old woman, retired, independent on all daily living activities, with hypertension and gonarthrosis. After a fall, causing a trauma of the right buttock, she began complaining with local pain, irradiating along the sciatic nerve path. At the physical examination, the patient presented positive tests for piriformis syndrome. The radiological tests only found discrete degenerative signs. She started a therapy combining muscle relaxation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, self-rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy. The remission of complaints was achieved after six weeks. Comment: Piriformis syndrome is a disorder with a significant impact on quality of life. If diagnosed in a timely manner, it is possible to provide a targeted treatment and to achieve complete remission of complaints.

Keywords : Piriformis syndrome; Sciatica; Back pain.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )