Variations in anatomical features of the sacral hiatus in Indian dry sacra

Objective: An opening present at the caudal end of sacral canal is known as sacral hiatus, which is clinically important to give caudal epidural block in orthopedics and obstetric practice. The success of caudal epidural block depends upon the anatomical variations of sacral hiatus. Aim: Aim of our study was to determine the anatomical variations of sacral hiatus in Indian dry human sacra. Material and methods: We used 271 Indian dry human sacra of unknown sex, to observe various shapes of the hiatus, which includes inverted U- shape (42.12%), inverted V-shape (35.43%), irregular (12.99%). The mean length of sacral hiatus was 21.70 mm. The mean anteroposterior diameter of sacral canal at the apex of sacral hiatus was 5.50 mm. Conclusion: In conclusion, the sacral hiatus has anatomical variations and understanding of these variations may improve reliability of caudal epidural block.