An injury to the bone formed by the last vertebrae of the spine or coccyx as a result of an external force or energy.
The most common cause is a fall on a hard surface.
It presents with pain and bruising in the lower back. The pain typically increases with sitting.
Diagnosis is made clinically by asking the patient about the incident that caused the injury and by physical examination. It is usually accompanied by an x-ray of the spine to assess the extent of bone damage.
Treatment focuses on pain management with common analgesics and reduction of bruising and swelling with indirect local cold and anti-inflammatory medications. It is advisable to use a cushion or inflatable rubber ring when sitting. If the pain increases during bowel movements, it is recommended to eat fiber-rich foods or take laxatives to prevent hard stools.
If at any time there is a loss of leg mobility or the pain is severe and does not subside, it is advisable to seek emergency medical attention.
- MedlinePlus. Rockville. 2017. Atención postratamiento para lesión en el cóccix; [citado el 21 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000573.htm2.
- MedlinePlus. Rockville. 2017. Traumatismo de cóccix; [citado el 21 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000008.htm
- A. Rosich. Enfermedades no degenerativas de la médula espinal. Lesiones traumáticas de la médula espinal. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 1469:1471.
- UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Coccydynia (coccygodynia); [citado el 21 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/coccydynia-coccygodynia?source=search_result&search=traumatismo+coxis&selectedTitle=1~9
