Chronic sciatic nerve compression secondary to arteriovenous malformation: case discussion and literature review

Abstract

Sciatic nerve symptomatology may arise from both intra- and extra-neural pathology, at any point along descent from the sacral plexus to its bifurcation. The potential aetiology is broad, ranging from degenerative spinal disease to muscle, bony and vascular pathology. We present an extremely unusual case of position and exercise-induced nerve compression secondary to arteriovenous malformation and review the potential extraspinal causes, many of which may be ameliorated by surgical excision or decompression. We further discuss the usefulness of diagnostic imaging, specific clinical tests and histopathological tools that may aid in management.