Issue release date: 12.11.2024
2Gaziantep University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Gaziantep, Turkey
3Zirve University, EBN School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Gaziantep, Turkey
4Adiyaman University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Adiyaman, Turkey
5Kırıkhan State Hospital, Department of Neurology, Antakya, Turkey
6Fatih University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey DOI : 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.16956-16.1 AIM: Sciatic nerve injury is the most frequent and serious complication of intramuscular gluteal injection. This study aims to highlight the incidence and causes of this continuing problem and to discuss the relevant literature.
RESULTS: Of the subjects who experienced a sciatic injury secondary to intramuscular injection, 59 (27.2%) were female and 158 (72.8%) were male. In all subjects, the dorsogluteal site of the buttocks was selected for intramuscular injection. Sciatica occurred on the right side in 91 subjects, on the left side in 125, and bilaterally in one. The peroneal nerve was more affected than the tibial nerve. The most used agents were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. According to follow-up electromyography findings of 103 subjects, significant sequelae remained in 2/3 of cases.
CONCLUSION: The occurrence of sciatic neuropathy after gluteal injection causing permanent sequelae and leading to medicolegal problems is relatively rare. We suggest a double quadrant drawing technique in each gluteal region. We also draw attention to this issue with postgraduate and in-service training programs of medical staff, and providing continuity in education can reduce this serious complication.