Tendon of piriformis
Tendo musculi piriformis
Definition
The tendon of the piriformis attaches to the crest of the greater trochanter, superior to the trochanteric fossa. This attachment site encompasses the summit and medial aspect of the greater trochanter and may also have a variable attachment to the fibrous capsule of the hip joint.[1] The tendon is positioned such that in hip flexion, the piriformis muscle lies directly posterior to the hip joint, potentially contributing to joint stability.[1]
The tendon is typically rounded and can vary in its anatomical relationships with adjacent tendons, such as those of the gemellus superior, obturator internus, and gluteus medius (common tendon of the Obturator internus and Gemelli.).[2]
In terms of dimensions, the piriformis tendon has been measured to have a vertical width of approximately 4.78 mm and a horizontal width of about 7.35 mm.[3]
References
1.The Surgical Anatomy of the Piriformis Tendon, With Particular Reference to Total Hip Replacement: A Cadaver Study.Roche JJ, Jones CD, Khan RJ, Yates PJ.The Bone & Joint Journal. 2013;95-B(6):764-9. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.95B6.30727.
2.Piriformis Muscle: Clinical Anatomy and Consideration of the Piriformis Syndrome.Windisch G, Braun EM, Anderhuber F.Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA. 2007;29(1):37-45. doi:10.1007/s00276-006-0169-x.
3.Piriformis and Obturator Internus Morphology: A Cadaveric Study.Pine J, Binns M, Wright P, Soames R.Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.). 2011;24(1):70-6. doi:10.1002/ca.21053.
