During a physical exam, palpation between the ischial tuberosity and the greater trochanter in a patient with leg radiation identifies which nerve?

During a physical exam, palpation between the ischial tuberosity and the greater trochanter in a patient with leg radiation identifies which nerve?

• A. Femoral
• B. Peroneal
• C. Saphenous
• D. Sciatic

Answer: (D)

The key idea is the path of the sciatic nerve through the posterior thigh. In the mid to distal thigh the sciatic nerve travels between the greater trochanter (lateral/posterior hip area) and the ischial tuberosity. Palpating in that interval aligns with the nerve’s course, making it the nerve you’re feeling or localizing in that region. The femoral nerve lies anteriorly in the thigh near the groin, the saphenous nerve runs with the femoral nerve toward the medial leg, and the common fibular (peroneal) portion branches later around the fibular neck—none of these occupy the space between the greater trochanter and the ischial tuberosity.

The key idea is the path of the sciatic nerve through the posterior thigh. In the mid to distal thigh the sciatic nerve travels between the greater trochanter (lateral/posterior hip area) and the ischial tuberosity. Palpating in that interval aligns with the nerve’s course, making it the nerve you’re feeling or localizing in that region. The femoral nerve lies anteriorly in the thigh near the groin, the saphenous nerve runs with the femoral nerve toward the medial leg, and the common fibular (peroneal) portion branches later around the fibular neck—none of these occupy the space between the greater trochanter and the ischial tuberosity.