From the Research
The sacral area is commonly referred to as the sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of the spine that connects the lumbar vertebrae to the coccyx (tailbone). This region is often referred to as the sacral region, sacral area, or simply the sacrum. The sacrum consists of five fused vertebrae (S1-S5) that form a solid structure providing stability to the pelvis. Anatomically, it's located between the two hip bones and forms the posterior wall of the pelvic cavity. The sacral area is significant because it bears the weight of the upper body when sitting and transfers this weight to the lower limbs through the sacroiliac joints. It also contains the sacral foramina, openings through which nerves and blood vessels pass. The sacral promontory, the anterior superior edge of the first sacral vertebra, is an important anatomical landmark used in obstetrics and gynecology to measure the pelvic inlet.
Some key points to consider about the sacral area include:
- The sacrum plays a crucial role in transferring weight from the upper body to the lower limbs 1
- Sacral fractures can be challenging to diagnose and require a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and surrounding neurovascular structures 2
- The treatment of sacral fractures depends on the severity of the fracture and the presence of neurological deficits, with some cases requiring surgical intervention 3
- A consensus has been reached on the management of sacral fractures, including the role of decompression and surgical fixation 4
- Sacral fractures can have significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in high-energy trauma cases, and require prompt and appropriate treatment 5