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 bottom of the dimple be seen to be conevered 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.