Sacrum
The sacrum usually has five fused sacral vertebrae. However variations are common such as lumbarisation of S1, sacralisation of L5, fusion of the coccyx, and spina bifida (see Transitional Vertebral Anatomy). The sacrum is wedge shaped with concave anterior and convex posterior surfaces.
Anterior Aspect
There is a central mass that is formed by the fused vertebral bodies. This is the floor of the sacral canal. The central mass runs laterally until the four anterior sacral foramina. The ventral rami of S1-S4 pass through the foramina. The alae (wings) are crossed by the lumbosacral trunk, L4 and L5.
Posterior Aspect
The posterior convex arch is formed by the fused vertebral arches. This is the roof of the sacral canal. There are four posterior sacral foraminae opposite to the anterior foramina where the posterior rami of S1-S4 run. S5 runs between the termination of the sacrum and the coccyx. There is a median crest that runs down to the sacral hiatus where there are cornuae on each side. The sacrococcygeal ligament covers the sacral hiatus posteriorly. There are four sets of posterior sacral foraminae which transmit the posterior roots of S1-S4.
Lateral Aspects
The lateral mass reduces in size as it goes distally giving the sacrum its triangular shape. It joins with the ilia forming the sacroiliac joints.
Sacral Canal
The dural sac typically terminates at S2 but can run more distally especially in children. Below the dural sac in the sacral canal there is extradural fat, vertebral venous plexus, lower sacral nerve roots, and the filum terminale.
