Highlights & Basics
- Coccygodynia is a condition characterized by disabling pain in the coccyx, usually provoked by sitting or rising from sitting.
- May be post-traumatic (e.g., after a fall or childbirth), nontraumatic, or idiopathic in origin.
- Conservative management includes pressure-relieving cushions, local corticosteroid injections, coccygeal manipulation, and ganglion impar injections.
- Surgery (coccygectomy) is uncommonly needed, but can be highly effective in recalcitrant post-traumatic coccygodynia.
- It is important to rule out local pathology, such as tumors or infection.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Images
Lateral sacrococcygeal x-ray in a patient with post-traumatic chronic coccygodynia, showing sacrococcygeal synostosis (fusion, normal variant) and Co1-Co2 anterior subluxation
Dynamic lateral sacrococcygeal x-ray in a patient with chronic idiopathic coccygodynia, showing 30° of anterior flexion while standing
Dynamic lateral sacrococcygeal x-ray in a patient with chronic idiopathic coccygodynia, showing 30° of anterior flexion while sitting
Citations
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Wray CC, Easom S, Hoskinson J. Coccydynia. Aetiology and treatment. J Bone Joint Surg (Br). 1991;73-B:335-338.[Abstract][Full Text]
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