The fluoroscopic guided piriformis injection is performed to relieve pain caused by piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome is a condition that results in the feeling of pain in the buttocks and in the rear of the legs. The pain is brought on by the piriformis muscles either contracting, tightening or becoming tender. This causes the sciatic nerve to become irritated. Individuals experiencing this condition will describe the pain as deep and aching.

​Before the procedure can start, the patient will be directed to lie flat down on the stomach and the area of the injection site is sterilized using antiseptic solution followed by the application of a local anesthetic to bum the area where the injection will take place. A fluoroscope is used for this procedure to assist in properly guiding the needle towards the piriformis muscle. To ensure that the needle is positioned properly, contrast dye may be injected for confirmation.

​The procedure requires the combined use of steroid and anesthetic medication that is injected into the piriformis muscle located in the buttocks. This helps to reduce both pain and inflammation caused by this condition. Once the injection has been completed, the needle is slowly pulled out and bandage applied to the area of the injection. The patient will be directed to a recovery room for a brief period of observation. The procedure can be done either for diagnostic purposes or for pain relief purposes. If for diagnostic purposes then observations of the patient will be made while in the recovery room to ascertain if the pain from the piriformis muscle has subsided. In the event that the pain does subside, the procedure will have confirmed that the piriformis muscle was indeed the main cause of the pain. If done for the purposes of pain relief, then the patient can expect the pain either be reduced or eliminated.