UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Neurology

Title: Sciatic Nerve Injury

Keywords: sciatica, sciatic nerve, foot drop (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/16/2008 by Aisha Liferidge, MD (Updated: 3/28/2024)
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  • The Sciatic Nerve is commonly injured during intramuscular buttocks injections as well as hip fracture dislocations and posterior dislocations.  In such instances, always confirm and document preserved sciatic nerve function.
  • Sciatic nerve injury often results in foot drop due to decreased function of the hamstring, calf, and anterolateral lower leg muscles.
  • Sciatic nerve injury may also cause loss cutaneous sensation over the calf , as well as the sole and lateral portions of the foot.