The American Journal of Surgery
Volume 199, Issue 1 , Pages 52-59, January 2010

Sciatic hernia: a comprehensive review of the world literature (1900–2008)

  • Julian E. Losanoff, M.D., F.A.C.S.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Surgery, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
    • Department of Surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +1 312 330 5659; fax: +1 313 576 1002
    • ,
  • Marc D. Basson, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Surgery, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
    • Department of Surgery, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
    • ,
  • Scott A. Gruber, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
    • ,
  • Donald W. Weaver, M.D., F.A.C.S.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA

Received 21 January 2009; received in revised form 16 February 2009

Abstract 

Background

Sciatic hernias are considered the rarest pelvic floor hernias, with a very limited number of published reports worldwide. The condition has received limited attention in the surgical literature.

Data sources

The data reported herein are based on a literature review including MEDLINE and CURRENT CONTENTS computerized database searches. The existing bibliographies on sciatic hernia were explored for articles pertaining to the review. Finally, the Internet was searched for articles not listed in the available medical databases.

Conclusions

Sciatic hernia is unusual, and can present the physician with diagnostic and treatment dilemmas. The hernia may present with obscure pelvic pain, intestinal obstruction, life-threatening gluteal sepsis, or as an asymptomatic, reducible mass that distorts the gluteal fold. Small sciatic hernia can remain hidden behind the gluteus maximus muscle. The diagnosis requires imaging studies in such cases. Treatment of sciatic hernia is always surgical and requires prosthetic reinforcement for the best result.

Keywords: Hernia, Sciatic foramen, Sciatic notch hernia, Hernia ischiadica, Sciatic hernia, Surgery

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PII: S0002-9610(09)00221-9

doi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2009.02.009

The American Journal of Surgery
Volume 199, Issue 1 , Pages 52-59, January 2010

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