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A pit or indentation in the skin on the lower back known as a sacral dimple is present in certain newborns at birth. Typically, it is located slightly above the line between the buttocks. The majority of sacral dimples are benign and don’t require treatment.
If the sacral dimple is significant or appears next to a hair tuft, skin tag, lump, or discolored area, it may indicate a major spinal issue in a newborn. The doctor who is caring for your child may advise an imaging test in certain circumstances. Treatment for spinal issues depends on their initial cause.
Symptoms
A pit or indentation in the skin of the lower back is known as a sacral dimple. It typically sits slightly above the line between the buttocks.
Causes
The cause of sacral dimple is still not known. It is a congenital condition, which means that it exists from birth. There are no known risk factors that can cause a sacral dimple.
Diagnosis
During a newborn’s initial examination, physical examinations are conducted to detect sacral dimples. If the indentation is prominent or accompanied by a tuft of hair, skin tag, lump, or certain skin discoloration, your doctor may recommend imaging tests to check for spinal cord problems.
These tests could consist of:
- Ultrasound. Sound waves are used in this non-invasive process to create photographs of the body’s structures.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). If more information is required, your doctor might suggest an MRI, which produces cross-sectional images of the body using radio waves and a strong magnetic field. To keep the infant from moving during the scan with this procedure, medication used for sedation is necessary.
Treatment
There is no need for treatment for a simple sacral dimple. If an individual with a sacral dimple experiences any symptoms of spinal cord problems, such as leg numbness, muscle weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, it is crucial to seek evaluation from a neurologist. Although rare, surgery may be recommended to correct an improperly closed spinal cord.
