Sacrum Pit: What Effect Does It Have On The Child?

Some babies may have a small pit in the lumbar region. More specifically, the pit is located in the region of the sacrum, from which its name derives: the sac of the sacrum.

It may be a mere pit that does not cause any uncomfortable symptoms. However, this recess can sometimes also connect to the spinal canal, thus causing problems in the nervous system.

In this article, we will get to know the subject in a little more detail and also tell you about the care of the pit.

What is a sacral pit?

The sacrum pit is a recess in the skin that appears in the lower back. It is on display from birth and is usually located just above the buttock.

Most sacral pits are harmless. However, a significant proportion is associated with a spinal fissure. According to an article in the journal Acta Pediàtrica , it refers to a certain kind of congenital anomaly that causes certain structures, such as the spine, to malfunction.

It is a group of heterogeneous malformations that endanger nerve tissue. The same study also claims that 40-95% of babies who have a spinal cleft suffer from some form of skin problem, which in many cases is a sacral pit.

The sacral pit is believed to be severe if it is close to the hair or if there is discoloration of the skin in its vicinity. Changes due to nerve fluctuations in such a case can cause neurological, orthopedic, and urinary and rectal problems. It is therefore important to determine its severity and treat it properly.

Sacrum pit: different types

The sacral pit may be typical or atypical. This simple separation method makes it possible to distinguish between a benign and a serious situation. A typical sacral pit is small and located in the buttock.

The well is usually less than 0.5 cm in diameter and close to the edge of the buttock. It is a fairly common ailment and does not pose a risk of spinal cracking. It is estimated that almost 5% of healthy newborns have such a pit.

The atypical sacral pit, on the other hand, is larger (more than 0.6 cm deep) and farther from the buttock.

An atypical sacral pit is one of the risk factors for spinal fissure. When the pit is too deep, communication between the spinal canal may be abnormal. The spinal canal is a sensitive structure through which numerous nerve fibers pass.

This communication can then lead to neurological ailments as well as problems in the spine. Such a pit is usually also associated with discoloration and nodules in the skin. Abnormal hair growth may also occur in the area.

Difference between sacrum and buttock abscess

Buttock abscess contains skin hair. It also appears between the buttocks just above the buttocks.

The hair, cells, waste products and fluid in the buttock abscess accumulate. This disease also usually develops after birth and is more common in men than women. An abscess in the buttock often leads to inflammation, causing severe pain and swelling.

Sacrum pit: what causes it?

The causes of the sacral pit have not yet been identified, but we know for sure that it is congenital. Thus, it is possible to distinguish it from the above-mentioned buttock abscess.

Atypical pits may be due to deficiencies in spinal structures. However, we are not sure of the reasons for it.

Symptoms and diagnosis

However, an atypical sacral pit may be symptomatic depending on whether the discomfort is due to a spinal cord crack. A doctor must perform a thorough physical examination to detect the disease.

The doctor will measure and check the characteristics of the well and perform additional tests if the well is too large or deep. This is also repeated if there are more bumps, discoloration of the skin, or the bore is too far from the buttocks.

According to a study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood , ultrasound can be used to help examine pits. Estimates show that the likelihood of spinal problems increases sixfold when such abnormalities are observed.

Ultrasound is a popular technology because it is fast, safe, and inexpensive. However, your doctor may also use magnetic resonance imaging if you have reason to suspect a diagnosis. It allows the tissues to be examined accurately.

Possible complications

An atypical sacral pit is associated with more complications and can be associated with, among other things, neural tube closure disorder or spinal cord flaring.

Nerve tube obstruction is a congenital malformation. In it, the neural tube does not close properly. A small crack appears in the spine because the spine has not developed properly. The disease can be asymptomatic and is usually seen in adolescence or adulthood.

Flare of the spinal cord, in turn, occurs when scar tissue is present in the spinal cord. It can lead to urinary and fecal incontinence, weakening of the lower limbs, and difficulty standing.

Sacrum pit: how can it be treated?

A typical sacral pit has no treatment and does not even need treatment. The pit should only be kept free of dirt that accumulates in the area to avoid infections. If the sacrum pit is very close to the anus, it can be contaminated by bacteria in the gut.

For this reason, it is important to clean the area properly, especially when changing baby diapers. An atypical pit may require treatment depending on its severity.

Treatment depends on the severity of the sacral pit

Doctors should examine all newborns and examine the sacral pit, if any. The well should be evaluated along with other abnormalities.

The child should have no worries if everything else is fine and the sacrum pit is small. However, if the pit is atypical or other warning symptoms occur, the baby should be taken for special treatment.

The physician should examine the well carefully to determine if it is associated with neurological changes or developmental disorders. The best treatment in such a case depends on the results obtained.

Keep in mind that most sacral pits are harmless and mere changes in the skin. However, please consult a doctor to rule out possible neurological problems.