ALPEREN DOGUHAN OGUZ, ISMİHAN ILKNUR UYSAL, BETUL DİGİLLİ AYAS, AHMET SAFA GOKSAN
Annals of Clinical and Analytical Medicine - 2024;15(11):753-758
Aim: This study focused on determining the exit variations and branching pattern of the sciatic nerve (SN), obtaining morphometric data of the lower extremity and correlating these data with nerve blockade procedures. Material and methods: The lower extremities of twenty human cadavers were prospectively dissected, and the distances between superficial and deep reference points, the thickness of the SN and its branches were measured. The exit of the SN to the gluteal region, its course at the back of the thigh, and its terminal branching level were examined. Results: The literature review determined that at least 5 and at most 13 different sciatic nerve types were defined according to their relationship with the piriformis. During the dissections, it was observed that 95% of the SN passed under the piriformis as a single root and bifurcated in all lower extremities. The bifurcation level of the SN in the upper, middle and lower thighs was close to each other (35%, 35%, 30%, respectively). Statistically significant (p<0.05) correlations were detected between distances using the greater trochanter as a reference and thigh length. Discussion: The obtained correlations support the use of the greater trochanter in determining the point of trans-gluteal SN blockade. If sciatic nerve blockade in the thigh cannot be performed with imaging methods, performing it at the level above the popliteal fossa as much as possible, considering the person’s thigh length, will increase success.
