Location of the first and second sacral nerve roots in relation to pedicle screw placement

Dissection and measurements of the first 2 sacral nerve roots with regard to the commonly used entrance points for S1 and S2 pedicle screw placement were performed to determine the location of the first 2 sacral nerve roots in relation to the pedicle screw entrance points in the upper 2 sacral vertebrae. The sacral nerve roots, dural sac, and pedicles were exposed after laminectomy. The mean distance from the reference point to the adjacent nerve roots superiorly and inferiorly at the S2 pedicle level was smaller than those at the S1 pedicle level. The medial angle of the sacral nerve roots progressively decreased from L5 to S3. The nerve root passing through the next foramen formed an immediate medial relation to the sacral pedicle rather than the dural sac. Pedicle screw placement in the first 2 sacral vertebral pedicles has been recommended for lumbosacral fusion and internal fixation of sacral fractures. No anatomic study is available regarding the location of the sacral nerve roots relative to the entrance points of sacral pedicle screw placement. Violation of the sacral canal and foramina by a sacral pedicle screw may injure the sacral nerve roots, especially at the level of the S2 pedicle.