A CADAVERIC STUDY ON CONUNDRUM IN HIGH BIFURCATION OF SCIATIC NERVE IN SOUTH INDIAN POPULATION

Introduction: The Sciatic nerve is the thickest nerve in the body. It is made up of two components, namely the tibial and the common peroneal which are derived from the ventral rami of L4 to S3 spinal nerves of the lumbosacral plexus. It begins in the pelvis and terminates at the superior angle of the popliteal fossa by dividing into tibial and common peroneal nerves. Aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to identify the anatomical variations in the bifurcation pattern of the sciatic nerve related to piriformis muscle in the south Indian population. Materials and Methods: A total of about Twenty formalin fixed cadavers comprising of 40 lower limbs were collected from the department of anatomy at Panimalar medical college hospital and research institute. The dissection of gluteal region and posterior compartment of the thigh was done based on Cunningham’s dissection manual to expose and study the sciatic nerve. The variations in the anatomical course of sciatic nerve, its relationship to Piriformis muscle and the level of bifurcation were observed, photographed and recorded. Results: Out of 40 lower limbs, 36 limbs (90 %) showed normal anatomy of sciatic nerve. The remaining 4 limbs (10%) showed high bifurcation of sciatic nerve and a variation in relation to piriformis muscle. Among 4 limbs, one limb (2.5%) showed sciatic nerve bifurcation at the level of superior gemelli. Conclusion: The knowledge regarding the anatomical variations in the high bifurcation of sciatic nerve may help the surgeons and anesthetist for their routine clinical practice. The cadaveric study of these types of variations may give a clear and proper guide for the surgeons to practice efficient surgical interchange and that may avoid surgical errors.