Can Piriformis Be Seen on a MRI?

The piriformis is a muscle located deep to the gluteal muscles. It can be visualized on an MRI of the pelvis/gluteal region. MRI's visualize the piriformis muscle, due to it's ability to define soft tissues, including muscles. Piriformis syndrome can occasionally be noticed on an MRI.

What is an MRI?

• An MRI, (magnetic resonance imaging) is a form of radiographic study that provides visualization of soft tissues in the body.

What is the piriformis?

• The piriformis is a muscle located deep to the gluteal muscles. It is a flat muscle that works as a lateral rotator of the hip. It originates from the sacrum and it inserts into the greater trochanter of the femur.

What is the Sciatic Nerve?

• The sciatic nerve is the nerve that begins in the lower back and courses down the buttocks and down the lower limb. It supplies most of the innervation to the lower extremity, as it branches into the tibial and the common fibular nerve.

What is piriformis syndrome?

• Piriformis syndrome is a clinical condition that occurs when the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve. Variations of the relationship between the piriformis muscle and the sciatic nerve are common. One specific variation has the sciatic nerve piercing the piriformis muscle belly, these individuals are more commonly affected with pain.

Imaging and the Piriformis

• MRI that includes the gluteal musculature should visualize the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle can be seen enlarged occasionally in piriformis syndrome.