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Piriformis

Contents

Anatomy

Piriformis - posterior
Piriformis - lateral
Piriformis - anterior
Piriformis - posterolateral

Position

  • Deep

Origin

  • Anterior part of sacrum, between and lateral to 1.-4. sacral foramina
  • Anterior surface of the sacrotuberous ligament

Insertion

  • Trochanter major femur, superomedially

Main function

  • Hip
    • Lateral rotation

Secondary function

  • Hip
    • Abduction
    • Medial rotation
  • Pelvis
    • Contralateral rotation

Nerve innervation

  • Segmental
    • L5-S2
  • Peripheral
    • Plexus sacralis

Arterial supply

  • Superior gluteal artery
  • Inferior gluteal artery

Referred pain pattern

Piriformis and deep lateral rotators - pain pattern

Muscle type

  • Postural
    • Shortens when overactivated

Symptoms

  • Entrapment of sciatic nerve
  • Paraesthesia lower back, groin, buttocks
  • Si-joint dysfunction
  • Problems and pain while defecating
  • Pain during sexual intercourse (female)
  • Impotence (man)

Videos

Short version

Detailed version