Sacral Anatomical Malformations

Sacrum a large triangular fusion of five sacral vertebrae is found wedged between the two innominate bones and forms postero-superior wall of pelvic cavity. An arched sacral hiatus is usually observed below the fourth or the third sacral spine. The present study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy at Desh Bhagat Dental College and Hospital, Sri Muktsar Sahib. Total 20 dry human sacra were studied with regard to the level of apex of sacral hiatus, level of base of hiatus, shape of hiatus and sacral foramina morphologically. In the present study the most prominent shape of the hiatus was inverted-U (45%). The apex of hiatus was commonly found at the level of 4^th sacral vertebra in 50% of sacra while the base was more commonly found at the level of 5th sacral vertebra (55%). The knowledge of anatomical variations of sacral hiatus is of great significance as sacral hiatus is the site of caudal epidural anaesthesia and its knowledge may help improve its success rate.