Evaluating the Sciatic Nerve in Patients with Piriformis Syndrome

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Sciatic Nerve in Patients With Piriformis Syndrome

Observational Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT06783439

This study is testing how ultrasound can help doctors better understand the sciatic nerve in people with Piriformis Syndrome to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment19 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT06783439 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the sciatic nerve using ultrasound in patients diagnosed with Piriformis Syndrome, a condition characterized by sciatica due to nerve compression at the piriformis muscle. The study will assess the anatomical variations of the sciatic nerve and the piriformis muscle, focusing on their thickness and echogenicity to improve diagnostic accuracy. Patients aged 18 to 70 with unilateral hip or leg pain and specific clinical signs will be included, while those with certain medical histories or conditions will be excluded. The findings may enhance understanding of the condition and lead to better diagnostic methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 70 experiencing unilateral hip and/or leg pain with a positive FAIR test.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of previous surgeries in the lumbar or hip region, or those with significant comorbidities such as uncontrolled diabetes or psychiatric diseases, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic techniques for Piriformis Syndrome, potentially reducing pain and enhancing treatment outcomes for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies evaluating the piriformis muscle, this specific focus on the sciatic nerve in relation to Piriformis Syndrome is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged between 18 and 70 years with unilateral hip and/or leg pain
* Positive FAIR (flexion, adduction, internal rotation) test
* Tenderness to palpation in the Piriformis muscle

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a history of previous surgery involving the lumbar and/or hip region
* A history of malignancy or infection in the pelvic region
* Body mass index (BMI) Greater than 30 kg/m2
* Psychiatric diseases
* Vascular disease
* Uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension or heart failure,
* Disc pathologies that may cause radiculopathy
* History of rheumatic disease.

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SciaticaPiriformis Muscle Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.