Are caudal blocks and saddle blocks the same as epidural injections?
For the most part, yes. The caudal canal that passes through the tailbone or sacrum is the extension of the epidural space from the base of the spine. Usually there is a small opening at the end of the tailbone called the sacral hiatus. Placing a needle into this opening and injecting through it is called a caudal injection. If sufficient local anesthetic is used in the medicine injected, it will cause a caudal or saddle block or numbness where the body would come into contact with a saddle when seated on one. A caudal injection may be preferable when the spinal nerve roots involved are in the area where the body would contact a saddle.