Piriformis Muscle Injection

Anatomy of Piriformis Muscles

The piriformis muscle is present in the buttocks, connecting the sacrum to the outer surface of the hip. This muscle enables us to walk and run. The sciatic nerve is a thick, long nerve passing through or below the piriformis muscle.

What is Sciatica?

A spasm of the piriformis muscle can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to severe pain (sciatica). The pain is usually felt over the buttocks but may radiate to the back of the thigh and down the leg as well.

What is Piriformis Muscle Injection?

A piriformis muscle injection is used to alleviate the spasm and pain of sciatica. The injection comprises an anaesthetic and steroid to reduce the spasm.

Piriformis Muscle Injection Procedure

The entire procedure usually takes 15-20 minutes. You will lie on your stomach. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area of injection. Your doctor will insert the needle into the piriformis muscle under fluoroscopic guidance. A small amount of the contrast dye is injected to guide your doctor in the proper placement of the needle. After confirming the position of the needle, a steroid-anaesthetic mix is injected into the piriformis muscle. After injecting the medication, the needle is removed, and the injection site is covered with a Band-Aid. In most patients, the pain resolves with 1 or 2 injections. However, 3 injections may be required to achieve complete benefit.

After Piriformis Muscle Injection Procedure

Following the procedure, you may experience nausea, sweating, dizziness, etc. You may also develop weakness or numbness in the leg for a few hours. You may also notice a slight swelling, redness, bruising and tenderness at the injection site, which may subside within a short period of time. Once your doctor has confirmed that you are stable, you will be discharged to go home. Additional instructions and a follow-up appointment will be given to you at the time of your discharge.