Sacral Dimple

A small indentation in a baby's lower back, called a sacral dimple, is common and often harmless. It's typically located just above where the baby's bottom folds. These dimples are usually nothing to worry about.

However, a sacral dimple might be a sign of a more serious spinal issue in a newborn if it's unusually large or if it's accompanied by other noticeable features. These features might include a clump of hair growing near the dimple, a small flap of skin (skin tag), a bump (lump), or a change in skin color (discoloration). In such cases, a doctor might suggest tests like an ultrasound or X-ray to get a closer look. If a spinal problem is diagnosed, the treatment will depend on the specific cause of the problem.

A sacral dimple is a small, shallow pit or indentation in the skin of the lower back. It's typically found just above where your buttocks meet.

A sacral dimple is a small indentation in the lower part of the back, near the bottom of the spine. Doctors don't know what causes it. It's a birth defect, meaning it's something a baby is born with. There's no known reason why this happens.

Some babies are born with a small indentation, or dimple, in their lower back area, near the sacrum (the lowest part of the spine). This is a sacral dimple. Sometimes, a sacral dimple is a sign that there's a problem with the spinal cord. One such problem is tethered cord syndrome. In tethered cord syndrome, the spinal cord isn't free to move within the space in the spine. It's like a rope that's been tied down, preventing it from moving freely.

However, a sacral dimple can also be present in a baby without any other health problems. It's just a normal anatomical variation in some newborns.

Sometimes, a small indentation in the lower back (a sacral dimple) can be a sign of a more serious problem with the spine or spinal cord. These problems are rare.

Here are a couple of examples:

• Spina bifida: This happens when the spine doesn't close completely around the spinal cord during development. A very mild form, called spina bifida occulta, means the spine might have a small gap, but the spinal cord itself is still protected inside the spinal canal. Most of the time, spina bifida occulta doesn't cause any problems and doesn't need treatment. It's like a tiny imperfection that doesn't affect the spinal cord's function.

• Tethered cord syndrome: Usually, the spinal cord is free to move within the spinal canal. Tethered cord syndrome happens when something, like extra tissue, attaches to the spinal cord and restricts its movement. This can lead to a variety of problems, such as weakness or numbness in the legs, and trouble controlling bladder and bowel functions. Imagine the spinal cord being tied down, making it difficult to function properly.

If you have a sacral dimple and also notice a clump of hair, a small piece of extra skin (a skin tag), a noticeable lump, or unusual skin coloring near it, the risk of these spinal problems might be a little higher. This is why it's important to talk to a doctor if you have any concerns. These extra signs could indicate a need for further evaluation.

A small indentation in the lower back, called a sacral dimple, is often found during a baby's first checkup. Doctors usually check for this during a routine physical exam. If the dimple is unusually large, or if there's a tuft of hair, a small skin growth (skin tag), a lump, or a change in skin color near the dimple, it could be a sign of a problem with the spinal cord.

In these cases, your doctor might recommend some tests to get a clearer picture. These tests can help them see if there's a problem and what kind it might be.

• Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It's a painless and safe way to look at the area. It doesn't use radiation, so it's a good option for babies.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Sometimes, ultrasound isn't enough to see everything clearly. In these situations, an MRI might be needed. An MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the spinal cord and surrounding tissues. Because the test needs the baby to stay very still, medicine (sedation) might be given to help them relax during the scan. This helps ensure the best quality images are obtained.

A simple sacral dimple, a small indentation in the lower back, usually doesn't need any treatment. It's a normal, harmless variation in the way the skin folds, much like a small indentation on the back of someone's hand. These dimples are common and typically do not cause any problems or require medical attention. There is no known health risk associated with a simple sacral dimple, and no treatment is needed.