Sacral dimple

Sacral Dimple is a small indentation, or "dimple," in the lower back, located just above the crease of the buttocks. It is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. Sacral dimples are relatively common and are found in up to 4% of newborns. Most sacral dimples are harmless and do not require any treatment. However, in some cases, a sacral dimple may be a sign of an underlying spinal problem.

Causes

The exact cause of sacral dimples is not known. They are thought to occur during the development of the baby in the womb. Some researchers believe that sacral dimples may be related to minor abnormalities in the development of the spine.

Symptoms

Most sacral dimples do not cause any symptoms. They are usually noticed at birth as a small indentation in the skin in the lower back. In some cases, a sacral dimple may be associated with a tuft of hair or a skin tag.

Diagnosis

A sacral dimple is usually diagnosed at birth during a physical examination. If the dimple is deep, or if it is associated with other signs such as a tuft of hair or a skin tag, further tests may be needed to rule out an underlying spinal problem. These tests may include an ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

Treatment

Most sacral dimples do not require any treatment. If an underlying spinal problem is found, treatment will depend on the specific condition and may include surgery.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a child with a sacral dimple is generally excellent. Most sacral dimples are harmless and do not cause any problems. If an underlying spinal problem is found, the prognosis will depend on the specific condition.

See Also

• Spina Bifida
• Congenital Disorders
• Pediatrics