Ultrasound scan before caudal block

Ultrasound is used before caudal block to identify landmarks and to exclude anatomic anomalies. Identifying epidural fat is important, as a fatty filum terminale may be a marker for tethered cord or other spinal cord abnormalities. The anterior sacral foramina are the apertures for exit of sacral nerves. When the foramina are clearly identified the transducer is likely to be in the optimal position for the block. For further information refer to UpToDate content on ultrasound guided caudal block.