Sacral dimple

A sacral dimple or pilonidal dimple is a small hole located just above the buttocks. The name comes from the sacrum, the bone at the end of the spine, over which the dimples are found. More than 2% of babies may have such dimples; almost all of these are very minor. However, it may be a sign of Spina bifida: even so this is usually the spina bifida occulta form which is the least serious kind. Sacral dimples are usually spotted in post-natal checks by a pediatrician, who will check:

• Can the floor of the dimple be seen to be covered with skin? If not, it may be that the neural tube is not completely closed.
• Is there a tuft of hair in the dimple? This may also indicate problems.
• Are there any other problems in the examination of the baby, such as weak lower limbs.
• How close to the buttocks is the dimple? The lower, the better.

Additionally, this can be indicative of a possible kidney problem, which is then checked by an ultrasound.

See also

• Pilonidal sinus

References

• Ivillage parenting
• Allrefer health
• Netdoctor
• GP Notebook