From the Research
The top of the buttock crack is medically referred to as the sacral cleft or the intergluteal cleft, also known as the natal cleft. This area is located at the upper portion where the two buttocks meet, just below the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) 1. The intergluteal cleft begins at the lower back and extends downward between the buttocks. Anatomically, this region marks the division between the left and right gluteal muscles and contains fatty tissue and skin. The top portion specifically may also be called the natal cleft or the superior aspect of the intergluteal cleft. This area serves as a natural division between the two sides of the body and helps with the biomechanics of walking and other movements by allowing independent action of each side of the lower body. Some key points to consider about this area include:
- The natal cleft is a common site for pilonidal disease, an acute or chronic infection in the subcutaneous fatty tissue 1.
- Minimally invasive techniques are available for the treatment of pilonidal disease in this area, but they have a higher recurrence rate than excisional methods 1.
- The management of pilonidal sinus in this area should be individualized, taking into account the size and location of the lesion, as well as the patient's overall health and medical history 2. It's worth noting that while there are various studies on pilonidal disease and its treatment, the most recent and relevant study on the topic is from 2019 1, which provides guidance on the management of pilonidal sinus. However, the question at hand is focused on the anatomical terminology of the area, rather than the treatment of pilonidal disease. Therefore, the most accurate and up-to-date information on the topic is provided by the study from 2019 1, which confirms that the top of the buttock crack is indeed referred to as the sacral cleft or the intergluteal cleft.