Coccyx fracture: description
A coccyx fracture is one of the injuries to the pelvis. The coccyx (Os coccygis) joins the sacrum and consists of the lowest four to five vertebrae of the spine, which are usually fused together. Only the first vertebra still has the structure of a typical vertebra.
Coccyx fracture: symptoms
In a coccyx fracture, the soft tissues over the coccyx are swollen and painful from pressure. Affected people complain that they can hardly sit. Certain movements also hurt when walking. Because the coccyx is the lowest pole of the central nervous system, a coccyx fracture triggers persistent nerve pain.
Chronic pain in the coccyx region is also known as coccygodynia. This is pain that lasts for weeks and can radiate to the anal area, groin and hip region. In addition to a coccyx fracture, other causes can also be behind it.
A fractured coccyx can be the result of direct force, such as a fall or a firm kick to the buttocks. However, a fracture of the coccyx can also be caused by childbirth: if the coccyx protrudes far into the pelvis, it can break during birth under the pressure of the child’s head.
Coccyx fracture: examinations and diagnosis
The responsible specialist for a coccyx fracture is a doctor of orthopedics and trauma surgery.
Medical history
To determine whether the coccyx is actually broken, the doctor will first ask you in detail about how the accident happened and your medical history (anamnesis). Possible questions are:
- How exactly did the accident happen?
- Do you have any pain?
- Were there any previous complaints in the coccyx region, such as pain and restricted movement?
Examinations
An X-ray is always taken for further diagnosis of a coccyx fracture. A pelvic overview image and a lateral image are taken.
Coccyx fracture: differential diagnosis
Coccyx pain does not necessarily come from a fracture. Sometimes the coccyx is just bruised or partially dislocated. Pain may also result from a difficult childbirth or be due to chronic microtrauma resulting from prolonged sitting. A deep-seated rectal tumor may also be the cause of the pain.
Coccyx fracture: treatment
If the coccyx is indeed fractured, conservative treatment is usually given. Painkillers (analgesics) such as tramadol help against the pain. Until the fracture has healed, patients should also remain on bed rest if possible. A seat ring can be used to reduce the pain when sitting. For example, a weakly inflated children’s swimming ring can be used for this purpose.
In principle, it is also possible to surgically remove the coccyx. However, this does not eliminate the discomfort, as the resulting scar may continue to hurt.
Coccyx fracture: course of the disease and prognosis
The course of the disease in the case of a coccyx fracture is often protracted. While the symptoms of a sprained coccyx can subside within a week, this often takes several weeks in the case of a coccyx fracture. In some cases, chronic pain in the coccyx area also develops after a coccyx fracture (coccygodynia).
