Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Sacral Dimple
Question: my three day old granddaughter has a hole in the backside crease which goes through to the sacrum ... can you explain more about how this happens and the long term consequences . we have been told she will need surgery in a couple of weeks to close it. Is this a serious or common condition
Brief Answer:
Its a serious problem - not very common
Detailed Answer:
Hi...it's a sacral sinus. It's a serious problem and not very common.
Coming to your questions -
1. It happens when the spinal cord is developing during fetal period. The neural tube hole which is at the distal end might not close properly sometimes. This could be the reason for it.
2. Folic acid deficiency in the mother can cause this. To prevent further such incidents in future pregnancies you need to supplement the mother with folic acid supplements from 3 months before the planned pregnancy.
3. Long term complications could be - meningitis if it's not closed surgically/ lower limb weakness/ loss of bladder and bowel control.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Its a serious problem - not very common
Detailed Answer:
Hi...it's a sacral sinus. It's a serious problem and not very common.
Coming to your questions -
1. It happens when the spinal cord is developing during fetal period. The neural tube hole which is at the distal end might not close properly sometimes. This could be the reason for it.
2. Folic acid deficiency in the mother can cause this. To prevent further such incidents in future pregnancies you need to supplement the mother with folic acid supplements from 3 months before the planned pregnancy.
3. Long term complications could be - meningitis if it's not closed surgically/ lower limb weakness/ loss of bladder and bowel control.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
thank you Dr XXXXXXX We live on a small Island near the UK. Is this a very specialised procedure, should it be done perhaps by someone with a great deal of experience? The baby is on anti biotics at present as the infection marker was at 10. What happens when the baby is brought home in between the time before the surgery, are the risks of infection high and what can be done to prevent any infection in the sinus ...
Brief Answer:
Its a specialized procedure/ be careful while cleansing
Detailed Answer:
Hi....
1. It is a specialized procedure done by a neurosurgeon.
2. While you are wiping or cleansing the baby after the baby passes urine or motion you need to be careful in not wiping till the sinus area. It can lead to secondary infection and meningitis.
3. At home the red flag signs of infection are - Stopping of feed, fever above 100F, altered behaviour or excessive sleepiness, incessant vomiting, seizures, stiffness of limbs.
If these appear - please take the baby to nearest emergency room.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Its a specialized procedure/ be careful while cleansing
Detailed Answer:
Hi....
1. It is a specialized procedure done by a neurosurgeon.
2. While you are wiping or cleansing the baby after the baby passes urine or motion you need to be careful in not wiping till the sinus area. It can lead to secondary infection and meningitis.
3. At home the red flag signs of infection are - Stopping of feed, fever above 100F, altered behaviour or excessive sleepiness, incessant vomiting, seizures, stiffness of limbs.
If these appear - please take the baby to nearest emergency room.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
