Abstract

Background: the sciatic nerve is largest and thickest nerve in human body. It originates from L4-S3 roots of sacral plexus. It consists of 2 components namely tibial and common peroneal nerves. It passes through greater sciatic foramen and appears in the gluteal region below piriformis muscle, passes along back of the thigh and divides into its terminal branches viz tibial and common peroneal, near the superior angle of popliteal fossa. This point of bifurcation into terminal branches may be variable which might be important for the clinicians. Aim: studying variations of sciatic nerve bifurcation at different levels Materials and methods- study conducted on 50 lower limbs, properly embalmed with formalin. The gluteal region dissected and the level of bifurcation of sciatic nerve is recorded. Results: In 42(84%) limbs the sciatic nerve terminated at the superior angle of popliteal fossa.3 limbs (6%) showed high level bifurcation in the pelvis and both branches emerged separately in infra piriform compartment. In 2 limbs (4%) sciatic nerve divided in the gluteal region. In 3(6%) limbs sciatic nerve divided in the middle of the thigh. Conclusion: knowledge of variation of sciatic nerve bifurcation helps the clinicians during intra muscular injections, popliteal and sciatic blocks, hip surgeries.

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