What is the significance of a sacral dimple

If the base could not be seen, this would be called a coccygeal pit. Although fistulas above the gluteal cleft may be associated with spinal dysraphism, coccygeal pits are benign and do not need imaging. Skin tags in the sacral area are also potential indicators of spinal dysraphism. In some cases, the "tag" may in actuality be a residual tail.

This skin tag was quite small and appeared to be very superficial, but spinal ultrasound was still done as a screening measure. In this case, the ultrasound was normal and no further testing was needed. Congenital midline vascular lesions usually raise questions about occult spinal dysraphism , but so far the literature is inconclusive.

Some authors suggest isolated midline port wine stains and medial telangiectatic vascular nevi "butterfly marks" are benign and do not require further evaluation. Occult dysraphism is much more likely if two markers are present, so this appearance in combination with another finding should lead to imaging.

Ultrasound is only indicated if the sacral dimple is more than 5mm in depth and more than 25 mm from the anus. Sometimes, babies are subjected to ultrasound assessment in search for abnormalities of inner organs, and if there is a suspicion of spinal dysraphism, but they are usually completely normal.

It is performed sometimes during the first week after birth, which may concern the parents, or after months for a routine ultrasound check. The ultrasound testing is harmless but gives many valuable information about the state of inner organs some mild abnormalities that are obviously visible can indicate that there is an abnormality somewhere else in the body and the length of the conus medullaris of the spinal cord, position of the spinal cord and the existence of a completely formed vertebrae.

Some practitioners order MRI, since it is a gold standard in diagnostics of occult spinal dysraphism, if they are very concerned that the condition may be complicated than ordinary sacral dimple. However, it is not routinely performed for its expenses and the need for sedation of a child. The first three are actually present later in life but at young age in most of the cases, and should be differentiated from each other. Sacral dimple is often just an aesthetic and cosmetic defect that requires correction.

This is necessary if the bulge of tissue is formed above the dimple, but usually the defect becomes unnoticeable. There is no special treatment. The sacral dimple may become infected which than requires treatment.

They need to be quickly diagnosed and managed with specific treatment. Any dysraphism needs to be closed to protect the spinal cord. I was told that a sacral pit was a sign of child abuse. I told them I disagreed and gave them reasonings just about the same as what is published here. There was no signs of infection, no hair. Just wanting another opinion about it being a sign of child abuse. You are commenting using your Twitter account. You are commenting using your Facebook account. Notify me of new comments via email.

Notify me of new posts via email. I think it went something like this: I have been outa the loop. I had a baby. Like choosing to have cereal for dinner instead of pancakes. Daddy was at work, why not? But, what is a post without a photo or two to share, right? What Mr. B does with ALL his free time!

Rate this:. Like It? Like this: Like Loading Birth Story 3 not your average birth story. A Random Act of Kindness.