Rare Anatomical Variation of Absence of the Sciatic Nerve: Completely Substituted by the Tibial and Common Fibular Nerve

Authors

  • Paulo Coelho Instituto de Anatomia Normal. Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra. Portugal.
  • Catarina Melo Instituto de Anatomia Normal. Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra. Portugal.
  • António Bernardes Instituto de Anatomia Normal. Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra. Portugal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.4260

Abstract

Introduction: There are several reports of sciatic nerve anatomical variations. Some are associated with clinical entities, such as piriformis syndrome. We aim to report a rare anatomical variation of this nerve.
Cases report: Two leucodermic, 74 and 78-year-old male subjects, deceased of natural causes, without lower limb relevant medical history. In both subjects, the right sciatic nerve was absent, with an independent origin and course of the tibial and common fibular nerves. The contralateral sciatic nerve had the common anatomical presentation.
Discussion: After the analysis of the available data indexed in Medline, we conclude that we are reporting two cases of a rare anatomical variation (the absence of sciatic nerve, with an independent origin and course of the tibial and common fibular nerve). This anatomical variation may have clinical importance, as it may be, for example, a risk factor to unsuccessful sciatic nerve popliteal blocks and to the pyriformis syndrome.

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Author Biographies

Paulo Coelho, Instituto de Anatomia Normal. Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra. Portugal.

Catarina Melo, Instituto de Anatomia Normal. Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra. Portugal.

António Bernardes, Instituto de Anatomia Normal. Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra. Portugal.

Published

2013-06-21

How to Cite

1.
Coelho P, Melo C, Bernardes A. Rare Anatomical Variation of Absence of the Sciatic Nerve: Completely Substituted by the Tibial and Common Fibular Nerve. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2013 Jun. 21 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];26(3):283-6. Available from: https://actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/4260

Issue

Section

Case Report