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Variable positions of the sacral auricular surface: classification and importance.

Niladri Kumar Mahato¹

¹Department of Anatomy, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. mahatonk@yahoo.co.in

Neurosurgical Focus

|March 3, 2010

Summary

The position of human sacra auricular surfaces influences weight-bearing patterns and may predict low-back pain. Variations in auricular surface position affect load distribution at the lumbosacral and sacroiliac joints.

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Area of Science:

Anatomy
Biomechanics
Orthopedics

Background:

The auricular surface area influences hip bone weight transmission.
The position of auricular surfaces may significantly alter sacral load-bearing patterns.
Understanding these variations is crucial for lumbosacral and sacroiliac region biomechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate and classify variable positions of auricular surfaces on the sacrum.
To determine how these positions influence weight-bearing patterns between L-5 and S-1 segments.
To analyze the impact on weight distribution in the lumbosacral and sacroiliac regions.

Main Methods:

Studied 300 human sacra to determine auricular surface position and extent.
Classified sacra into 'normal,' 'high-up,' and 'low-down' auricular surface groups.
Measured dimensions, articular areas, and calculated indices; analyzed data for group differences.

Main Results:

'High-up' auricular surfaces (13%) and 'low-down' (15%) were identified, differing from 'normal' positions.
'High-up' sacra showed shorter, broader proportions and potential accessory facets with L-5.
'Low-down' sacra transmitted load via lower segments (S2-3) and had distinct structural features.

Conclusions:

Sacral auricular surface position varies significantly in humans.
These positional variations are linked to differential load bearing at sacral joints.
Auricular surface position, particularly 'high-up' types with accessory facets, may predict low-back pain.