Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons treating a Coccyx Fracture

COCCYX FRACTURE

 

A broken coccyx, also known as the tailbone, will usually heal on its own. Physical therapy, exercises, and a special cushion can ease the pain and speed recovery.

If your child needs surgery or casting, our Fracture Care Clinic opens every day and you do not need an appointment. Surgery rooms get scheduled every morning, so your child receives the care and attention they need right away.

Coccyx Fracture

Coccyx FractureThe tailbone, also known as the coccyx, is a collection of tiny bones that make up the base of the spine. The tailbone has three to five vertebrae, depending on the individual. This little cluster of bones comes to a soft tip. The vertebrae are often fused together, with the exception of the first segment. The human coccyx is curled beneath, although each person’s level of curvature is unique. The coccyx bears a portion of the weight of the upper body when sitting. A coccyx break or fracture can cause excruciating pain, especially when sitting.

The enormous gluteus maximus muscle, as well as a number of other muscles and ligaments, are all connected to the coccyx. Particularly during and after pregnancy, coccyx discomfort affects women five times more frequently than males. Additionally, having osteopenia increases the risk (bone deterioration). Coccyx injuries frequently result from car accidents.

Broken Coccyx Symptoms

Pain in the coccyx is often regional. The following are actions that might cause pain:

  • extended sitting and slouching.
  • extended standing
  • rising from a sitting position.
  • bowel or bladder motions.

Although uncommon, lower back discomfort and pain that travels down the legs might happen. Additionally, a child could frequently feel the urge to urinate.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

How does a Coccyn Fracture occur in children?

Coccyx fractures in children typically result from a direct impact or trauma to the tailbone area. This can occur during falls, sports injuries, or accidents. The coccyx, being the last bone in the spine, is vulnerable to injury due to its position and the lack of surrounding protective structures.

What are the common symptoms of a coccyx fracture in children?

The symptoms of a coccyx fracture in children can include pain and tenderness in the tailbone area, swelling, bruising, difficulty sitting or moving the lower back, and pain during bowel movements or when passing stool. The child may also experience localized discomfort or pain when the area is touched or pressure is applied.

How do doctors diagnose and treat a coccyx fracture in a child?

Diagnosis of a coccyx fracture typically involves a thorough physical examination, medical history review, and imaging studies such as X-rays or, in some cases, MRI or CT scans. Treatment usually involves pain management with over-the-counter pain relievers, the use of cushioned seats or pillows to relieve pressure on the coccyx, and, importantly, rest and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain. In severe cases, where the fracture is displaced or causing significant discomfort, a pediatric orthopedic specialist may recommend additional measures such as immobilization, physical therapy, or in rare instances, surgery.

Coccyx Fracture Causes

Coccydynia is the medical word for coccyx discomfort. It could result from a complete fracture or a dislocation (break). People with coccyx discomfort who see a doctor may have recently suffered a severe injury to the coccyx from a fall or collision. But just as many people may experience pain without remembering the injury. Sometimes the trigger occurs when sitting on a hard bench. Because of the architecture of the coccyx in relation to the spine and buttocks, coccydynia is around three times more prevalent among obese individuals.

The coccyx and two buttocks work together to support the weight of the upper body when seated. When seated, a thin or average-weight person’s coccyx moves under the body to better support the weight. The pelvis and coccyx spin less when sitting in a bigger individual with larger buttocks. This increases the tension on the coccyx’s tip and makes dislocation or fracture more likely.

Coccyx Fracture Diagnosis

The cause of your child’s coccyx discomfort will be determined by your doctor using a physical examination and X-rays. Finding out whether there is a pain source other than a severe injury is crucial. Your doctor will feel your child’s lower spine and the soft tissue surrounding your coccyx to determine this (sacrum). Doctors may find a bone spicule, a sharp growth of new bone that may be the cause of the discomfort. Additionally, the doctors will search for other potential sources of discomfort, such as tumors, ingrown hair cysts, or pelvic muscle spasms.

During a rectal exam, your doctor will pinch the coccyx. By moving it, the doctor can determine if the coccyx has too much or too little mobility. A normal range of motion is about 13 degrees. Too much or too little can indicate a problem. X-rays are taken while the patient is standing or seated. Comparing the angles of the coccyx in the two positions helps the physician determine the degree of movement.

Broken Coccyx Treatment

Typically, doctors will use non-surgical treatments for a fractured or bruised coccyx. In 90% of cases, it is effective. The most popular and efficient kinds of treatment are physical therapy and the use of specialty cushions. Other non-surgical treatments comprise:

  • pelvic floor retraining.
  • massage and physical manipulation.
  • electrically stimulating the nerve
  • injections of steroids.
  • block of nerves.
  • stimulating the spinal cord.

Physical therapy

Parents can learn exercises from a physical therapist that will strengthen the muscles supporting the lower spine while stretching the ligaments. To relieve the discomfort, they could massage the area or apply alternately hot and cold compresses. Parents can obtain advice from their therapist on good seating posture.

Coccygeal cushions

These are specially designed cushions that support the buttocks but have cutouts to relieve pressure on the coccyx. They are available online or in stores without a prescription. Circular pillows (doughnut-shaped) are not recommended as they put extra pressure on the coccyx. They are more helpful for rectal pain.

Medication

For the discomfort brought by a fractured or bruised coccyx, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are advised. These incorporate:

  • ibuprofen
  • acetaminophen or paracetamol
  • aspirin
  • naproxen

Broken coccyx surgery

People who don’t react to therapy may need surgery, which is a rare occurrence. A coccygectomy is a surgical procedure in which the coccyx is completely removed, or just one or more segments may be removed. For two different kinds of instances, the best results are:

  • Persons who have excessive coccyx movement (hypermobility).
  • Coccyx’s that have spicules, or fresh, sharp-pointed bone development.

Coccyx Fracture Healing Period

The age of your child and the degree of the injury will determine how long it takes to recover from a bruised or fractured coccyx. Young adults heal more quickly than older ones, whereas children recover more quickly than adults. An average coccyx bruise takes up to four weeks to heal. It might take up to 12 weeks for a broken or fractured coccyx to recover.

Rehab

Physical therapy, exercises performed at home, and potentially a specific sitting cushion are all part of the recovery process.

Broken Coccyx Movements

Your child can practice exercises recommended by your physician or physical therapist to build up the muscles surrounding the coccyx. The pelvic floor muscles and those in the stomach fall under this category. Your child can strengthen his or her pelvic floor with Kegel exercises. It has advantages for boys and girls. Sitting with good posture might also help. Avoid slouching as you sit with your back against the chair. If your legs can’t reach, use a book or another support to keep your feet flat on the ground.

Sleeping on a Coccyx that is Fractured

Consider resting to ease the discomfort of a broken or bruised coccyx:

  • On a solid mattress.
  • Laying on your side, place a pillow between your knees.
  • With a cushion between your legs and on your back.

Pain Management

Massage, heat, cold, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are all used in pain treatment. Maintaining a fitness routine is also crucial.

Coccyx Fracture in a Child

Children’s bones are more pliable, which reduces the risk of coccyx damage. However, due to their degree of participation in play and sports, children continue to experience a high rate of coccyx injuries. Children recover more quickly than adults. As doctors, we rarely believe that coccygeal surgery is necessary.

Coccyx Fracture when Pregnant

Compared to males, women are five times more likely to experience coccyx discomfort. This is largely related to pregnancy and delivery. Injury to the coccyx is more likely during pregnancy due to weight growth and the resulting changes in posture. The coccyx’s position also makes it vulnerable to damage during a difficult delivery, especially one necessitating the use of equipment.

Outcome

Finally, the coccyx will often heal on its own if it is damaged or injured. A customized cushion, physical therapy, and exercises can all assist in reducing discomfort and help heal the patient. If your child experiences persistent discomfort or difficulty urinating or having bowel motions, consult a doctor. Also, less than 10% of patients require surgery. Furthermore, numerous cutting-edge treatment methods are available at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists to relieve coccyx and coccydynia discomfort. We have years of experience using cutting-edge technologies to treat coccyx discomfort.  Also, we have offices in Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound,  Frisco, and McKinney.  Give us a call and make an appointment for your child.

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Footnote:

Physiopedia: Coccyx Fracture

 

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