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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
A sacral dimple is an indentation, present at birth, in the skin on the lower back. It's usually located just above the crease between the buttocks. Also called pilonidal dimples, most sacral dimples are small and shallow. Sometimes, a sacral dimple may be accompanied by increased hair growth in this area.
Most of the time, sacral dimples are harmless and don't require any treatment. Rarely, a sacral dimple may indicate a serious underlying abnormality of the spine or spinal cord.
To rule out any abnormality, your child's doctor may recommend an imaging test. If an abnormality is discovered, treatment depends on the underlying cause.
- 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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