Synonyms in a broader sense
Bony dermatitis coccyx, sinus pilonidalis
Introduction
Inflammation in the area of the coccyx can be extremely painful for the affected patient. The discomfort caused by inflammatory processes in the coccyx region can make both walking and sitting almost impossible. For this reason, the affected patients can experience a high level of suffering.
Due to the large number of possible underlying diseases, inflammation of the coccyx is generally a common clinical picture. Especially fistulas in the gluteal fold and impairments of the periosteum are among the typical causes for the development of an inflammation in the coccyx area. Due to these basic diseases and the immigration of immune cells, inflammatory processes develop directly on the bony coccyx and its immediate surroundings.
In addition to the typical stabbing or pulling pain, swelling and redness of the skin surface can often be observed in the affected patients. In addition, the tissue of the gluteal fold and the skin above it are usually significantly warmed. Patients who suffer from pain in the buttock area and/or notice swelling in the gluteal fold should definitely consult a suitable specialist as soon as possible.
Complications can only be avoided by a rapid diagnosis and the initiation of appropriate treatment measuresThe causes for the development of an inflammation of the coccyx can be varied. The inflammatory processes in this area are particularly often associated with a chronic inflammatory disease of the gluteal fold. In this context, the so-called “pilonidal sinus” (synonyms: coccyx fistula, pilonidal cyst or sacraldermoid) is one of the most frequent causes of inflammation of the coccyx.
In comparison between the sexes, men are affected far more frequently than women of the same age. The age peak for the occurrence of a coccyx fistula is between the ages of 20 and 30. A fistula that can lead to inflammation of the coccyx can be either congenital or acquired.
In the case of a congenital coccyx fistula, it is assumed that the so-called neural tube has not been completely closed at the end of the embryonic period. For this reason, there is a connection between the tip of the bony coccyx and the anal rim in affected patients. While congenital fistulas are extremely rare in this area, the acquired form of this disease represents a common clinical picture.
The reason for the development of an acquired fistula, which can lead to inflammation of the coccyx, is the penetration of hairs through the epidermis (epidermis). In these cases, tufts of broken hairs can be found in the area of the fistula tract. In addition, an acquired coccyx fistula can also result from a hair formation disorder.
In these cases, the keratin produced by the hair root cannot be properly built up into a hair. As a result, there is a deposition of clod-shaped keratin islands, which are considered foreign bodies by the organism. This foreign body is encapsulated by the surrounding tissue.
A so-called foreign body granuloma is formed, which is often inflamed by the penetration of common bacteria on the skin surface. Another cause of inflammation of the coccyx is bacterial infection of the periosteum. In addition, irritation of the periosteum, which leads to inflammation of the coccyx, can be provoked by the following circumstances: Impairment of individual nerve fibers in the area of the coccyx Bony fusion of the sacrum with the 1st coccyx vertebra (sacralization) Irritations in the area of the tendon and muscle attachments (tendopathies)
- Traumatic events (leading, for example, to a contusion or fracture of the bony coccyx)
- Dislocation of the coccyx in the direction of the abdomen (ventral luxation of the coccyx)
- A difficult delivery
- Impairment of individual nerve fibers in the coccyx area
- Bony fusion of the sacrum with the 1st coccyx vertebra (sacralization)
- Irritations in the area of tendon and muscle attachments (tendopathies)
- Chronic constipation
