Sacral Dimples in Newborn: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

These dimples are common and do not always indicate a spinal abnormality.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Aarti R. Motiani, MD Dr. Aarti R. Motiani Dr. Aarti R. MotianiMD MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on YouTubeFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: PediatricsExperience: 10 years
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Sacral Dimples In Newborn

Image: MomJunction Design Team

Sacral dimples in newborns are characterized by shallow or deep indentations on the lower back (lower sacral region), just above the crease of the buttocks. They are a common cutaneous (relating to the skin) anomaly found during neonataliNewborn infant under four weeks old. spinal examinations. They are also known as sacrococcygeal or coccygeal dimples or pits.

According to studies, sacral dimples are benigniLikely not harmful. and require no medical intervention (1). They are found in 1.8–7.2% of newborns and are usually detected during routine examinations (2.). However, the exact cause of this congenital condition is unknown.

If the sacral dimples are large, located farther from the anus, or accompanied by a turf of hair, skin tag, or skin discoloration, they might be an indication of an underlying abnormality of the spinal cord. Hence, in such cases, consult your baby’s pediatrician to check if it is a cause for concern.

Read this post to learn about the reasons, types, and treatment options for sacral dimples in babies.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Sacral dimples in newborns are a common skin anomaly that has different types.
  • Though usually benign, sacral dimples in some cases may indicate an underlying problem.
  • Hygiene is crucial to prevent infection of typical sacral dimples, whereas the atypical ones need treatment guided by the pediatrician.

Types Of Sacral Dimples

Sacral dimples are of two types.

  1.  Typical sacral dimples: These are located on the skin of the lower back, near the crease of the buttocks. Usually, you will notice no skin changes other than the shallow depression near the tailbone (coccyx) end.
protip_icon Quick fact
Simple sacral dimples are less than 5mm in diameter and are less than 2.5 cm away from the anus. Also, they do not exhibit visible drainage (6).
  1. Atypical sacral dimples: In this type, the dimple is located higher up on the back or off to the side, and the bottom of the dimple may not be seen. It may also be accompanied by skin discoloration, a patch of hair, a lump, or a skin tag in babies (3).

Consult your infant’s pediatrician if you notice an atypical dimple on your baby’s body.

Symptoms Of Abnormal Sacral Dimples

Often, sacral dimples are benign and may not be a cause for concern. However, if you find the below symptoms, it could be due to an underlying medical condition (4).

  • Sacral dimples accompanied by a patch of hair, a birthmark, a deviated buttock fold, or discharge
  • Abnormal scan of the neonatal spinal column
Abnormalities of the neonatal spinal column

Image: Shutterstock

Possible Complications Of Sacral Dimples

Sacral dimples are associated with complications when they belong to the atypical type. These dimples usually indicate spinal cord issues. Some of the possible problems include (3)

  • Tethered spinal cord: In this condition, the spinal cord attaches to the tissue around the spine; thus, limiting the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal canal.
  • Spina bifida: This is a mild condition wherein the spine doesn’t close around the spinal cord completely and remains within the spinal canal. Spina bifida may not cause any symptoms. Based on the data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the global incidence of such severe congenital disabilities among babies, including spina bifida, is around 3-6% yearly.
Sacral dimples may be associated with spina bifida

Image: Shutterstock

  • Dermal sinus tract: This refers to an abnormal connection between the skin and spine. It can lead to infection.

Diagnosis Of Sacral Dimples

Sacral dimples are usually identified during the routine neonatal physical examination, and further investigations may not be required in the case of a typical sacral dimple.

However, if your doctor notices any abnormal skin changes or developmental defects near the sacrum or sacral dimple, they might recommend the following tests to rule out spinal cord problems.

Ultrasonography is considered a safe and cost-effective screening method for infants, as it is a noninvasive screening technique that does not have the risk of radiation (2).

Sometimes, your doctor may order an MRIiA non-invasive imaging technology used for the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of a disease. for the neonate or infant.

Treatment For Sacral Dimples

No specific treatment is needed if the sacral dimple is typical. However, the dimple or pit may collect dirt and sweat, which may increase the risk of an infection. So, try to keep the dimple area clean and avoid fecal matter from getting into it.

If your infant’s doctor diagnoses an atypical sacral dimple, they might prescribe the necessary treatment. In rare cases, surgical interventions may be needed to treat neurological issues caused by a tethered cord or other spinal abnormalities (2).

protip_icon Quick fact
Treatment for conditions like spina bifida or a tethered spinal cord associated with sacral dimples varies and can have different outcomes (5).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are sacral dimples hereditary?

Some inconclusive medical research suggests that sacral dimples may have a genetic predisposition. However, more research may be needed to prove this theory (5).

2. What does an ultrasound of a sacral dimple look for?

An ultrasound is done to check for any communication between the sacral dimple and the spinal canal/vertebral column (6).

3. Do sacral dimples go away?

A sacral dimple does not go away but may become more noticeable as the baby ages (5).

4. Can babies with spina bifida move their legs?

If the baby has spina bifida lower on the spine, they may use their legs and walk using crutches, braces, or walkers. In some cases, they might be able to walk without any aid (7). However, if the baby has spina bifida higher on the spine, the baby might have paralyzed legs and need wheelchair assistance.

5. Why would a newborn need a spinal ultrasound?

Spinal ultrasound is usually requested for babies born with a sacral dimple on the lower end of their spine or tailbone to check and evaluate any spinal complication (8).

Sacral dimples in newborns are skin abnormalities that do not pose any threat to the baby’s health. However, be cautious if the condition presents with other symptoms, such as the symptoms of atypical sacral dimples. In such a case, delaying or ignoring treatment may lead to complications such as tethered spinal cord, spina bifida, and dermal sinus tract. Therefore, consult your child’s doctor to diagnose any skin abnormalities and seek appropriate and timely treatment. If the condition is deemed harmless, you need not worry but should maintain proper hygiene around the area.

Infographic: Essential Information About Sacral Dimples

There’s nothing to worry about sacral dimples. Check out this infographic as it offers a glimpse of:

  • The types
  • Complications
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment

So you know if you should visit the doctor or not.

types of sacral dimples in newborn (Infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team


A sacral dimple is a small indentation in the lower back and is usually harmless and doesn’t require treatment. Learn more in this video!

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Anselm Chi Lee, Kwong NS, and YC Wong; Management of Sacral Dimples Detected on Routine Newborn Examination: A Case Series and Review; ResearchGate (2007).
2. Jin Hyuk Choi et al.; Outcome of ultrasonographic imaging in infants with sacral dimple; Korean Journal of Pediatrics (2018).
3. Sacral Dimple: What You Need to Know; Massachusetts General Hospital
4. Sacral Dimples or Pits; Child and Adolescent Health Service Neonatology; Government of Western Australia Child and Adolescent Health Service
5. Sacral Dimple; Cleveland Clinic
6. Sacral dimple; Radiopedia
7. Spina Bifida; CDC
8. Pediatric Spinal Ultrasound; Swedish Medical Imaging

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Dr. Aarti R. Motiani
Dr. Aarti R. MotianiMD, DNB
Dr. Aarti Motiani is a child specialist with a decade of experience in patient care.  She has special interest in nutrition, immunization, and development of kids. Dr. Motiani treats kids with minimal medicine and believes in parents counselling for every behavior of the child.

Read full bio of Dr. Aarti R. Motiani
Rohit Garoo
Rohit GarooBSc, MBA
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

Read full bio of Rohit Garoo
Dr. Ritika Shah
Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC
Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College.

Read full bio of Dr. Ritika Shah
Anindita Ghatak
Anindita GhatakB.Tech
Anindita Ghatak holds a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology from Amity University, Kolkata. During the course of her studies, she has worked on different research projects in the fields of Microbiology and Bioinformatics. Anindita has over three years of experience writing medical articles for journals.

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