A rare cause of sciatica discovered during digital rectal examination: case report of an intrapelvic sciatic notch schwannoma

Abstract

Intrapelvic sciatic nerve schwannomas are rare causes for non-discogenic sciatica. We describe a 44-year-old female who had a palpable mass on digital rectal examination that exhibited a positive Tinel's sign. The schwannoma was excised by a posterior transgluteal approach. Patients with negative spinal imaging should undergo pelvic scanning to rule out these tumors.

Keywords: Physical examination; Schwannoma; Sciatic nerve; Sciatica; Surgical approach.