Piriformis muscle

Piriformis muscle is a flat muscle located in the gluteal region near the top of the hip joint. This muscle is important in lower body movement because it stabilizes the hip joint and lifts and rotates the thigh away from the body. This enables us to walk, shift our weight from one foot to another, and maintain balance. It is also used in sports that involve lifting and rotating the thighs — in short, in almost every motion of the hips and legs.

Etymology

The term "piriformis" is derived from the Latin word "piriformis," which means "pear-shaped."

Structure

The piriformis muscle originates from the anterior part of the sacrum, the part of the spine in the gluteal region, and from the superior margin of the greater sciatic notch. It exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen to insert on the greater trochanter of the femur. Its tendon often joins with the tendons of the superior gemellus, inferior gemellus, and obturator internus muscles prior to insertion.

Function

The piriformis muscle functions to stabilize the hip joint and rotate the thigh. When the hip is extended, the piriformis abducts the femur. When the hip is flexed, the piriformis muscle can rotate the thigh outward.

Clinical significance

The piriformis muscle can cause problems when it compresses the sciatic nerve, which passes underneath or through the muscle. This condition is known as piriformis syndrome. It can cause pain and tingling in the buttocks and down the leg.

See also

• Piriformis syndrome
• Sciatic nerve
• Hip joint

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