A sacral dimple is a small indentation or pit in the skin on the lower back, usually located just above the crease between the buttocks. It is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. Most sacral dimples are harmless and dont need treatment. However, a sacral dimple can be a sign of a serious spinal problem in a newborn if the dimple is large or appears near a tuft of hair, skin tag, lump, or discolored area. In these instances, your childs health care provider may recommend an imaging test. If a spinal problem is found, treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Some key points about sacral dimples include:

• Symptoms: A sacral dimple is an indentation or pit in the skin on the lower back, usually located just above the crease between the buttocks. Most sacral dimples are small and shallow.

• Causes: There are no known causes for a sacral dimple. It is a congenital condition, meaning its present at birth.

• Complications: Rarely, sacral dimples are associated with a serious underlying abnormality of the spine or spinal cord. Examples include spina bifida, tethered spinal cord, and dermal sinus tract. If a sacral dimple is paired with other symptoms such as bruising, tufts of hair or skin tags, it could be a sign of a spinal condition.

• Diagnosis: A sacral dimple is diagnosed with a physical exam, usually during a baby’s first exam. If the sacral dimple is large or appears with a nearby tuft of hair, skin tag, or lump, or certain types of skin discoloration, your health care provider may suggest imaging tests to check for spinal cord problems. These tests may include ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan.

• Treatment: Most sacral dimples don’t cause any problems or need any treatment. If the sacral dimple is a sign of an underlying problem, your child’s healthcare provider will discuss treatment options with you[[1]](https://www.mayoclinic.org/di...