Fig 3.

Fluoroscopic series of the right hip demonstrating the piriformis release technique. (A) The spinal needle is placed on the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter (GT) to guide adequate placement of the incision on the iliotibial band. (B) A 30° arthroscope is positioned through the distal trochanteric portal and is viewing a radiofrequency ablation device (arrow), which is coming through the proximal trochanteric portal. The ablation device is used to dissect and expose the piriformis tendon close to its insertion at the GT. (C) A radiofrequency hook probe (arrow) is positioned through the proximal trochanteric portal and is used to release the piriformis tendon from its insertion on the GT as viewed with a 30° arthroscope positioned through the distal trochanteric portal. (D) A shaver is positioned through the proximal trochanteric portal and is advanced deeper posteriorly to the femur toward the sciatic nerve to release it from the muscle belly or fibrotic bands; a 30° arthroscope is positioned through the distal trochanteric portal.