Solitary neurofibroma of the sciatic nerve which was initially misdiagnosed as herniated nucleus pulposus: A case report

ABSTRACT

Solitary peripheral nerve tumor is rare and difficult to diagnose correctly. We present an unusual case of sciatic nerve tumor in a patient with leg buttock pain. Initial lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a herniated nucleus pulposus on L5-S1. Physical examination showed a palpable mass on the left buttock and Tinel's sign was elicited with palpation of the left posterior buttock. MRI examination of the hip revealed a tumor of the sciatic nerve adjacent to the left sciatic notch. Excision of the tumor was easily performed with subsequent slight motor weakness on dorsiflexion. Histopathological examination revealed the tumor to be a neurofibroma. Solitary neurofibroma without any evidence of neurofibromatosis is a rare condition. This case emphasizes the importance of physical examination and continued investigations.