Extraspinal Bone and Soft-Tissue Tumors as a Cause of Sciatica

Abstract

A high index of clinical suspicion is the key to early diagnosis of bone or soft-tissue tumors as a cause of sciatica; special attention should be given to pain pattern, physical examination of the entire course of the sciatic nerve, and selection of proper imaging studies. Routine anteroposterior plain radiography of the pelvis as part of the initial imaging screening process is recommended.