Piriformis Bursa

Description

Piriformis Bursa

Bursae of the Left Greater Trochanter (anterior view)

Name

• Piriformis Bursa
• Posterior Subgluteus Medius Bursa
• Subpiriformis bursa
• Piriformis muscle bursa
• Peripiriformis bursa
• Deep gluteal bursa (non-specific)
• Greater sciatic notch bursa (rare, imprecise)

General

• One of the deep bursa of the hip
• Located posterior to the apex of the greater trochanter
• Lies on and follows the counter of the insertion of the piriformis tendon
• Superficial surface in contact with the gluteus medius tendon
• Can be difficult to identify on MRI, distinguish from subglute medius bursa
• Often a potential space (not consistently present in all individuals)

Function

• Reduces friction between the piriformis muscle and surrounding structures
• Facilitates smooth gliding of the piriformis during hip motion
• Helps minimize mechanical irritation in the deep gluteal space

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Clinical Significance

Procedures

• Piriformis Injection

Pathology

• Piriformis Syndrome
• Deep gluteal pain syndrome

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See Also

• Hip Pain (Main)
• Hip Anatomy (Main)
• Physical Exam Hip

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