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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.
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- This page was last modified on 22 July 2008, at 21:10.
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