Fracture of the coccyx

The coccyx in adults is a bone, which is formed by 4-5 vertebrae, fused together. Its mobility is severely limited, since it is fastened by ligaments with the sacrum.

The position of this terminal spine can be different. Sometimes it is directed forward, perpendicular to the sacrum, and in some cases even directed upward. All this is considered a variant of the norm. In women, it is possible to deflect it posteriorly during labor, since this increases the size of the birth canal.

It is surrounded by a large number of nerve fibers, but it is protected from damage by massive gluteal muscles.

It is very difficult to injure this small bone, however, people often have such a symptom as pain in the coccyx. It can be associated with irritation of nerves or microscopic rupture of ligaments holding it.

Fracture of the tailbone - a rare injury, it almost does not occur in children, often trauma in them is manifested by a dislocation.

Causes of fracture

Fracture of the coccyx can occur only as a result of direct trauma. For example, when falling on the buttocks, when the entire force of impact falls on the tip of the coccyx or after a blunt blow on the area of the coccyx. A woman can injure him during difficult births if the fetus is large.

Symptoms of damage

With the rupture of human ligaments for a long time, only pain in the coccyx region can bother.

Moving a serious injury on your legs can be very difficult, because the fracture of the tailbone makes movement difficult. It is not possible to sit down or stand up sharply, it is also difficult to defecate. In the projection of the tailbone, swelling, bruising or redness can be seen.

Diagnosis of injury

As you know, bone fractures are well diagnosed by radiograph, however, to diagnose coccyx traumas, this method is not so informative, you can simply not notice the damage in the picture. This is often the case with a fracture, when the bone process of the coccyx fractures with a dislocation or subluxation.

For the correct diagnosis of coccygeal trauma, a thorough examination of the patient and a study of the clinical picture are necessary.

A fracture of the coccyx is diagnosed after a two-handed study through the rectum (or vagina). In this case, you can find crepitation (a characteristic sound) of bone fragments, mobility and a "step" symptom.

If there is pain in the coccyx without previous trauma, it is necessary to exclude gynecological, urological diseases or problems with the rectum. Osteochondrosis of the waist can also be manifested by pain in this area.

Treatment of trauma

If a true fracture of the coccyx is found, the treatment is done out-patient and conservative. In the first 7 days, it is necessary to comply with bed rest, because during this period there is a strong soreness. The ability to work can be lost for a month.

When dislocation or fracture with displacement, it is necessary to make a correction, which is performed by a two-handed method through the rectum. After this, it is also necessary to comply with bed rest for up to 10 days and a special diet to avoid constipation. The position of the patient in bed depends on the nature of the injury and should be such that the pain disappears. It is shown to take painkillers (eg, diclofenac).

If parts of the bone do not fuse for a long time, the dislocation is not corrected (with severe soreness), and in the absence of the effect of conservative treatment, the coccyx is removed. During operation, the sphincter of the rectum can be damaged , so this method of treatment should be resorted to as a last resort.

To treat coccyx folk remedies is not recommended, in order to avoid the formation of such a symptom as "coccygeal pain", which will bother all life. It is necessary to seek help from a doctor in time. A surgeon or a traumatologist can help with the problem in this area.