Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020
Screening for Spinal Dysraphisms in Newborns With Sacral Dimples
Peyton Wilson1, Erin Hayes2, Andrew Barber3
1University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA North Carolina Children's Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, USA jessie.wilson@unchealth.unc.edu.
Insights
Routine spinal ultrasounds for simple sacral dimples in newborns are often unnecessary, leading to increased costs and family stress. Most infants with sacral dimples show normal spinal development, with few requiring intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Neurology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Sacral dimples are common in newborns and usually benign.
- Screening ultrasonography for isolated sacral dimples can lead to unnecessary healthcare utilization.
- Existing guidelines for spinal imaging in infants with sacral dimples warrant review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the necessity of spinal ultrasonography for newborns with sacral dimples.
- To compare the indications for ultrasonography with established clinical guidelines.
- To determine the incidence of spinal dysraphism in infants with sacral dimples.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 151 infants with sacral dimples who underwent spinal ultrasonography.
- Analysis of indications for ultrasonography against standard guidelines.
- Correlation of ultrasound findings with subsequent magnetic resonance imaging and neurosurgical interventions.
Main Results:
- 80% of infants exhibited normal spinal ultrasound results.
- Only 5% of infants with abnormal ultrasounds had abnormal MRI findings.
- 1% of all infants required neurosurgical intervention.
- Nearly one-third of infants had simple sacral dimples with low risk for spinal dysraphism.
Conclusions:
- Current screening practices for sacral dimples may be excessive.
- Existing guidelines for spinal ultrasonography in neonates with sacral dimples may require revision.
- Further multi-center studies are needed to refine diagnostic and management protocols.
Abstract:
Sacral dimples are common physical examination findings among newborns and are rarely associated with spinal dysraphism. Screening ultrasonography for simple sacral dimples in the absence of other physical findings leads to unnecessary health care costs and undue stress on families. This study was a retrospective chart review of infants with a sacral dimple on examination who underwent spinal ultrasonography in the first week of life. The documented indication for ultrasonography was compared to standard guidelines. Among 151 infants in the study, 80% had a normal spinal ultrasound. Of infants with abnormal ultrasonography, 7 (5%) had abnormal spinal magnetic resonance imaging and 2 infants (1%) required neurosurgical intervention. Our study revealed that nearly one-third of infants who underwent spinal ultrasonography had a simple sacral dimple and low likelihood of spinal dysraphism according to existing guidelines. Among patients who underwent spinal ultrasonography in accordance with guidelines, only a small percentage required neurosurgical intervention indicating that guidelines may need to be revised. Larger studies involving multiple centers are necessary to assess this need.
More Related Videos
08:08Cell-based Assay Protocol for the Prognostic Prediction of Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Cellular Dielectric Spectroscopy
Published on: October 16, 2013
03:14Author Spotlight: Enhancing Success of Ultrasound-Guided Neuraxial Anesthesia in Cases with Difficult Anatomy
Published on: January 31, 2025
