AbstractIntroduction: The opening present at the lower end of sacral canal is known as sacral hiatus. The anatomy of sacral hiatus and its variations are clinically important during administration of Caudal Epidural Block (CEB) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGY), Orthopedic, Urology and General surgery practices. The success and reliability of CEB depends upon the sound knowledge of anatomical variations of sacral hiatus. Thus the present study was undertaken to find the variations in dry human sacra of Maharashtra region. Aim: To study the morphometry and variations of sacral hiatus. Methods: 138 adult, grossly normal dry human sacra of Maharashtrian origin were collected from anatomy department of various medical colleges in Maharashtra. Results: Inverted U was the most common observed shape. The most common site of apex and base was observed at S4 i.e. at fourth sacral spine and at the level of S5 i.e. at fifth sacral spine respectively. The length/Height of sacral hiatus most commonly ranged between 11-20 mm (42%). The width of sacral hiatus most commonly ranged between 11-15 mm (53.6%). The Anteroposterior (A-P) Diameter of sacral hiatus most commonly ranged between 3-6 mm (70.3%). Conclusion: The knowledge of variations in the shape, level and measurements of sacral hiatus will help in the effective and successful caudal epidural block (CEB) practices which are commonly used in various surgical practices.
Keywords: Morphometry; Sacral hiatus; Caudal epidural block.