Gross and sonographic anatomy of sciatic nerve in fecB Sheep

Fecb Sheep having high socio-economic importance and available in abundance with high vulnerability to general anesthesia, prompted gross anatomical and sonographic study of its peripheral nerves. Sciatic nerve being the largest peripheral nerve in the body received first preference. Two fresh sheep cadavers, free from any neuro and musculoskeletal pathology were dissected for the location and origin of sciatic nerve and associated blood vessels. Ultrasonographic scans of sciatic nerve were obtained from four fresh cadavers using linear array transducer of frequency 10–18 MHz. During this study, for exposure and identification of the sciatic nerve and its branches, only one skin incision was given in the pelvic region caudal to the sacrum and extended through the whole lateral aspect of limb, after putting the cadaver sheep in lateral recumbency. The skin was reflected laterally. The sciatic nerve was found emerging out through greater sciatic foramen. The nerve on lateral aspect of the limb terminated into two branches the tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve. The sciatic nerve at the site of its emergence from the greater sciatic foramen appeared as a hyperechoic ellipsoid.