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Sacral hiatus
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The sacral hiatus corresponds to the posterior distal opening of the sacral canal at vertebral level S3-S4.
It is roughly triangular in shape and it is laterally bounded by the sacral horns (sacral cornu).
The sacral hiatus contains the fifth sacral nerve, coccygeal nerve roots, filum terminale as well as fibro-fatty tissue.
It is covered posteriorly by the sacrococcygeal ligament, subcutaneous fatty tissue and skin. Thus, it can be easily accessed and is therefore used as the site for caudal epidural injections.
| Terminology |
English: Sacral hiatus Latin: Hiatus sacralis |
| Definition | The sacral hiatus corresponds to the posterior distal opening of the sacral canal at vertebral level S3-S4. |
Eager to learn more about the anatomy of the sacrum? Then dive straight into the following study unit:
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Frequent questions
Where is the sacral hiatus?
The sacral hiatus is situated on the posterior surface of the sacrum. It is the lowest opening of the sacral canal, located approximately at the S3-S4 level.
What is the sacral hiatus?
The sacral hiatus is the inferior-most opening of the sacral canal at the S3-S4 vertebral level. It serves as a passage for many importal anatomical structures, such as the filum terminale and the caudal nerve roots.
What comes out of the sacral hiatus?
The filum terminale, the dorsal and ventral roots of the 5th sacral nerve as well as the coccygeal nerve come out the sacral hiatus.
How is the sacral hiatus formed?
The sacral hiatus is formed on the posterior surface of the sacral bone due to the incomplete fusion of the posterior arches of the fifth sacral vertebra (S5). This incomplete fusion creates a space that is laterally bounded by the sacral cornu (sacral horns) and covered by the sacrococcygeal ligament.
What is the clinical significance of the sacral hiatus?
The clinical significance of the sacral hiatus lies in the fact that it serves as an access point for caudal epidural anesthesia. Its anatomical relations make it a perfect area to access the epidural space.
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