Sciatic nerve: beyond the sacral foramen

Abstract

Sciatica may result from pathologies affecting the nerve both in its intraspinal and extraspinal course. In daily routine, the vast majority of cases are caused by herniation of the lumbar discs compressing the neural roots. Extraspinal causes of sciatic pain are usually underestimated and the imaging study may be completed after reporting the lumbar MRIs. However, early diagnosis of the exact etiology of sciatica is paramount for both relieving the symptoms and preventing any additional neurologic injury. In this pictorial assay, some relatively rare causes of sciatic neuralgia along the route of the sciatic nerve after leaving the sacral foramen will be displayed.