Eur J Anat, 23 (3): 227-232 (2019)

Bilateral variant hamstring musculature with unilateral variant sciatic nerve

Kathleen J Hoban, Kenzi J. Holcomb, Garret Holst, Kelechi O. Ibezim, Sumathilatha Sakthi-Velavan

Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN, USA

ABSTRACT Anatomic variation of lower limb innervation and musculature significantly impacts the structure and function of nearby musculature and vasculature. This case report details the findings of a rare unilateral sciatic nerve variation, as well as bilateral muscular slips within the lower limbs. The left sciatic nerve was found to emerge as its common peroneal and tibial divisions at the superior and inferior borders of the piriformis, respectively. The muscular slips were found to extend from the long head of the biceps femoris to the semitendinosus muscles bilaterally. Research suggests that the presence of sciatic nerve variation and accessory muscular slips within the same subject is an uncommon finding. These findings are significant due to their potential implications in both surgical and clinical specialties. Surgeons should be aware of anatomical variation in the gluteal and hamstring regions for procedures such as total hip replacements, while clinicians should be aware of such variation for diagnostic and nerve block purposes.

Keywords: Sciatic nerve variation â?? Muscular slip â?? Hamstring variation â?? Piriformis syndrome â?? Common peroneal nerve â?? Tibial nerve