Ultrasound‐guided trigger point injection for piriformis syndrome in the emergency department

Abstract

Abstract Piriformis syndrome, a myofascial pain disorder characterized by deep gluteal pain that radiates to the ipsilateral lower back and/or posterior thigh, is an underreported cause of low back pain frequently misdiagnosed in the emergency department (ED). Often refractory to oral pain medications, this syndrome can be debilitating. Ultrasound‐guided trigger point injection of the piriformis muscle can treat piriformis syndrome, but no previous reports exist in the emergency medicine literature. This case series describes 2 patients who presented to our emergency department with low back pain and were diagnosed with piriformis syndrome. Both patients received an ultrasound‐guided trigger point injection of the affected piriformis muscle with a significant reduction of pain at 15 minutes and 48 hours after the procedure.

Keywords

• piriformis syndrome
• ultrasound‐guided trigger point injection
• ultrasound
• piriformis muscle
• trigger point injection
• myofascial pain syndrome