Ischiofemoral impingement caused by an intrapelvic lipoma of the sciatic nerve - A rare case presentation

Abstract

Introduction: Sciatica referring to radicular pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve in the affected lower limb is a common complaint and traditionally due to lumbar spine nerve impingement. There can be multitude of entities responsible for its aetiology and may mimic other pathologies. Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) due abnormal contact between the lesser trochanter of the femur and the ischium leading to compression of nearby soft-tissue structures such as Quadratus Femoris muscle may imitate sciatica. Case report: We report a rare cause of Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) due to a lipoma causing impingement of the sciatic nerve presenting as sciatica, left lower limb radiculopathy posing a diagnostic dilemma. Conclusion: This case-report highlights the importance of a thorough clinical evaluation, a high index of suspicion and critical role of cross-sectional imaging in reaching a conclusive diagnosis and effective patient management.

Keywords

• Sciatica
• Radiculopathy
• Ischiofemoral impingement
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Lipoma