A novel radiological classification for displaced os coccyx: the Benditz-König classification

Imaging findings and treatment in coccydynia - update of the recent study findings

BACKGROUND

Coccydynia is one of the most overlooked symptoms in clinical practice. The diagnosis and radiologic findings of traumatic coccyx can be more easily detected unless it is delayed and postponed. For idiopathic coccydynia, which accounts for one third of cases, patients present with long-standing pain and multiple physician visits.

METHOD

The keywords coccyx, coccydynia, coccygodynia were searched in PubMed, Embase, Scopus databases in the last 5 years. Research articles, reviews and case reports were analyzed. The studies conducted in the last 5 years were presented under the headings of etiology, radiologic assessment, interventional and surgical treatments.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The first step is dynamic X-ray of the coccyx in standing and sitting position. In this way, morphologic parameters and hypermobility causing idiopathic coccydynia can be evaluated. Morphologic and morphometric features of the coccyx described in previous CT and MR studies have explained the relationship with coccydynia. The key features are as follows: Type II coccyx morphology, subluxation of the intercoccygeal joint, presence of bony spicules. Knowledge of these definitions as well as the differential diagnosis in this anatomical region will help in reaching the correct diagnosis. The treatment of coccydynia is stepwise like the diagnosis. Conservative treatments are initiated first. Manipulations, ganglion impar block, injections, radiofrequency and shock treatments and finally coccygectomy are treatment methods reported. Radiologists should not overlook this region and should be familiar with the coccyx's morphologic appearance and the sacrococcygeal region's differential diagnosis.

KEY POINTS

· The etiology of coccydynia usually includes trauma, obesity and female sex, special coccyx morphology, and coccygeal hypermobility.. · Coccyx fractures are defined into three groups as flexion type 1, compression type 2, and extension type 3.. · When evaluating coccydynia, the first step is a dynamic X-ray examination of the coccyx in standing and sitting position.. · Hypermobility is defined as more than 25 % posterior subluxation while sitting or more than 25° flexion while sitting.. · More than 35° posterior subluxation is considered significant hypermobility..

CITATION FORMAT

· Sukun A, Cankurtaran T, Agildere M et al. Imaging findings and treatment in coccydynia - update of the recent study findings. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; 196: 560 - 572.

[Treatment options for coccygodynia]

BACKGROUND

To this day, patients with coccyx problems are the most frequently underestimated patient population in orthopedic practices. The clinical picture of coccygodynia was first described in 1859. Nevertheless, discussions about the importance of coccyx problems remain a tiresome topic. All patients have in common that they have gone through a long ordeal with many therapists, examinations and therapeutic approaches without having received a real diagnosis.

DIAGNOSTIC

The main symptom of coccygodynia is the pain directly on the lowest segment of the coccyx, which often only occurs when sitting and is intensified by the change in position, usually from a sitting to a standing position. Trauma can only be described as the trigger in 50% of cases. Women are four times more likely to be affected than men. The gold standard for imaging should be viewed from standing and seated dynamic lateral radiographs of the coccyx.

TREATMENT

After the diagnosis has been made, conservative treatment should first be started with oral NSAIDs, relief with a coccyx cushion with a recess and, if necessary, physiotherapy to strengthen or loosen the pelvic floor. Local infiltrations with a glucocorticoid and local anesthetic directly in the painful area are also often promising. If the symptoms persist for more than 6 months, surgical treatment in the sense of removing the coccyx can be discussed with the patient. The literature shows a success rate of 80-90% if the indication was correct.

[Coccygodynia-An often underestimated clinical picture]

One of the most frequently underestimated symptoms in orthopedic practices is coccygodynia. The clinical picture of coccygodynia was first described in 1859. Nevertheless, discussions about the importance of coccygeal problems remain a controversial topic. All patients have in common that they have gone through a long ordeal with many therapists, examinations and therapeutic approaches without having received a real diagnosis. The main symptom of coccygodynia is pain directly on the lowest segment of the coccyx, which often only occurs when sitting and is intensified by a change in position, usually from a sitting to a standing position. Trauma can only be described as the trigger in 50% of cases. Women are four times more likely to be affected than men. The gold standard for imaging should be viewed from standing and seated dynamic lateral radiographs of the coccyx. After the diagnosis has been made, conservative treatment should first be started with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), relief with a coccyx cushion with a recess and, if necessary, physiotherapy to strengthen or loosen the pelvic floor. Local infiltration with a glucocorticoid and a local anesthetic directly in the painful area are also often promising. If the symptoms persist for more than 6 months, surgical treatment in the sense of removing the coccyx can be discussed with the patient. The literature shows a success rate of 80-90% if the indications are correct.