Sacral morphological variations in the Korean population using PMCT-based 3D reconstruction: a case series.

introductionThe purpose of this study was to analyze morphological variations of the sacrum in a Korean population, with particular emphasis on the number and configuration of sacral foramina in relation to lumbar vertebral count. We aimed to describe sacral morphological features that may occur even in the absence of overt transitional anomalies and to highlight potential limitations of conventional definitions based solely on lumbosacral fusion. CASE REPORT: Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) data from three Korean individuals were reconstructed into three-dimensional models using Mimics software. Sacral segmentation patterns, lumbar vertebral counts, and key morphometric parameters were documented for each case. The measured parameters included sacral length (SL), sacral width (SW), superior transverse diameter (STD), and the vertical diameter of the sacral auricular surface (VDSA). DISCUSSION: Each case demonstrated a distinct sacral morphology. Case 1 exhibited five lumbar vertebrae, unilateral non-fusion of the L5 transverse process, and asymmetric sacroiliac articular surfaces (SL 137.5 mm; SW 119.5 mm; STD 52.6 mm; VDSA 66.9 mm right, 58.9 mm left). Case 2 showed four lumbar vertebrae due to bilateral L5-sacral fusion, accompanied by asymmetric fusion patterns and an indistinct S1-S2 boundary (SL 122.4 mm; SW 113.3 mm; STD 53.1 mm; VDSA 59.1 mm right, 60.1 mm left). Case 3 demonstrated five lumbar vertebrae and a six-segmented sacrum (S1-S6) with symmetrical auricular surfaces (SL 128.9 mm; SW 105.6 mm; STD 53.2 mm; VDSA 69.4 mm right, 70.7 mm left).

conclusionThese findings suggest that sacral elongation and remodeling of the auricular surface may occur independently of lumbar vertebral number. This highlights the importance of individualized morphometric assessment in clinical procedures such as sacroiliac joint fusion and caudal epidural anesthesia. Conventional definitions based solely on L5-S1 fusion may not adequately capture the complexity of sacral structure. Consideration of both sacral segmentation patterns and lumbar vertebral counts may enhance anatomical interpretation and clinical applicability.