Sciatica

Question 1

Steve, a 45-year old truck driver, presents to his GP with a shooting pain that starts in his
back and spreads down the outside of his right thigh and calf, and finally along the dorsal of
his right foot. He explains that this pain has been affecting him at work as he is struggling to
drive for long periods of time.

What do you suspect that Barty has?

Answer 1

Sciatica

Question 2

The doctor suspects that the patient has Sciatica. Please define sciatica.

Answer 2

Name given to the pain caused by irritation or compression of one or more of the nerve roots that contribute to the sciatic nerve (L4,L5,S1,S2 and S3).

Question 3

The sciatic nerve runs underneath/through a muscle in the gluteal region. Please state and identify this muscle from the image.

Answer 3

B is the piriformis

Question 4

L5 is one of the nerve roots which makes up the sciatic nerve. Please identify it’s dermatome on this image.

Answer 4

Question 5

One of the symptoms of cauda equina is bilateral sciatica. Name 2 other symptoms.

Answer 5

Question 6

Sciatica can be caused by a disc prolapse. Which dermatome and myotome is likely to be affected if this is a paracentral prolapse?

Answer 6

L5