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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffTreatment is unnecessary for a simple sacral dimple.
However, if the sacral dimple is deep (extending well below the surface of the skin) or it becomes infected, these findings may indicate another condition that requires treatment.
Rarely, a sacral dimple indicates a more serious condition, such as spina bifida, a serious birth defect that occurs when the tissue surrounding the developing spinal cord of a fetus doesn't close properly. In these rare instances, treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include surgery to correct or minimize the problem.
- Pilonidal abscess. In: Roberts JR, et al. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/194013725-4/980519736/2083/321.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3623-4..00037-7--s0155_1831. Accessed April 8, 2010.
- Burgess BE, et al. Anorectal disorders. In: Tintinalli JE, et al. Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2004. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=592877. Accessed April 8, 2010.
- Spina bifida occulta. Spina Bifida Association. http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/site/c.liKWL7PLLrF/b.2700275/k.5F64/Spina_Bifida_Occulta.htm. Accessed April 8, 2010.
- Klein MD, et al. Surgical conditions of the anus, rectum and colon. In: Kliegman RM. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/194013725-3/980516594/1608/827.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50343-1--cesec26_6853. Accessed April 8, 2010.
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