Sacral Dimples (S4:E25)

Sacral dimples are relatively common; they are seen in around 2% to 4% of healthy newborn babies. Although the cause of sacral dimples is unknown, in most cases they are not a cause for concern. Sacral dimples are simply signs of minor abnormalities as the baby grows inside the womb. However, in rare cases, sacral dimples can indicate a deeper spinal deformity.

Listen to pediatric experts discuss sacral dimples

In this episode, Todd Hankinson, MD, joins us to discuss the epidemiology of sacral dimples and their associated pathophysiologic conditions.

Dr. Hankinson is the Chief of Neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Professor of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

In this episode, our experts discuss:

• Prevalence of sacral dimples in newborns
• Theories about why sacral dimples form
• Warning signs that sacral dimples may be associated with an underlying anomaly
• Spinal abnormalities that may accompany sacral dimples
• Recommendations for imaging in babies with sacral dimples
• Diagnosis and treatment of babies with a possible tethered conus
• Other syndromes or anomalies that may be associated with a sacral dimple

Refer a patient to Children’s Colorado.