TERMINATION PATTERN OF SCIATIC NERVE IN NIGERIA: A CADAVER DISSECTION STUDY

This study examined the termination pattern of the Sciatic nerve in a sample of adult Nigerian cadavers sourced from various Institutions in Nigeria. Two hundred and eighty two lower limb segments from one hundred and forty one (141) cadavers were utilized for the study. Dissection was carried out using the protocol described in Finley’s Interactive Cadaveric Dissection Guide. Four (4) termination patterns were observed with 242 (85.82%) being the highest pattern. This was followed by trifurcation, 37 (13.12%), while Quadrifurcation was observed in 2 (0.71%) and Quintufurcation was observed in 1 (0.35%) of the specimens. Symmetric and asymmetric relationships were observed between termination patterns from left to right, as well as from right to left. However there was no significant association between termination patterns on the left limb and those of the right limb at P<0.05. Findings of this study will be helpful to medical practitioners, particularly Orthopaedic surgeons, Nurses, Neurologists and Physiotherapist. Understanding these variations will also serve as a baseline country specific pattern (data) for Nigeria.