Coccygectomy for severe refractory sacrococcygeal joint pain

Abstract

Severe refractory coccydynia occasionally requires coccygectomy. Methods involved a retrospective chart review plus telephone follow-up of 15 patients who had coccygectomy. Pain was assessed by the numerical rating scale and function by Oswestry Low Back Disability Score. There were 13 (87%) patients (four men, nine women) available for follow-up at a mean of 43 months (range 19-74 months). Mean age was 45 years (range 24-72 years). All patients had coccygeal pain arising from the sacrococcygeal joint, but there were other lumbar disorders in 10 patients. There were two complications. The numerical rating scale improved from 7.3 to 3.6 (p < 0.001), and the Oswestry Low Back Disability Score improved from 55 to 36 (p < 0.001). Twelve patients would have the same surgery for the same result. Coccygectomy provides statistically and clinically significant improvement in patients with severe refractory sacrococcygeal joint pain. Many patients have other lumbar spine pathology.