COCCYDYNIA

Abstract

Coccydynia is seen in all age groups and both sexes, it is more common in the 40s and five times more common in women than men. Coccydynia describes pain in the coccyx or tailbone. The coccyx is a bone formed by the fusion of 3-5 vertebrae in the distal segment of the vertebral column. The coccyx bone, forming the terminal segment of the vertebral column, has great functional importance as it is the attachment site of many muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Besides, the coccyx bone also serves as positional support to the anus. A direct fall on the coccyx and repetitive microtraumas are the most common causes of coccydynia, but the etiology could not be determined in 30% of coccydynia patients. The Postacchini-Massobrio classification based on sacrococcygeal angulation is the most commonly used classification system in the coccyx fracture classification. Coccydynia patients have pain in the lumbar region and around the coccyx. The pain becomes evident after sitting for a long time or during getting up from sitting. Besides, pain may also increase during defecation or sexual intercourse. Conservative treatment is primarily applied, and 90% of the patients respond well to conservative treatment. Surgical treatment can be applied in resistant coccydynia patients who are unresponsive to conservative treatment. Coccygectomy is applied as surgical treatment.