Coccygectomy for refractory coccydynia: A single-center experience

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of coccygectomy for patients with refractory coccydynia as regards the intensity of pain and the satisfaction of the cases. Methods: It is a retrospective study conducted upon 14 patients presented with refractory coccydynia; conservative treatment failure for a period of at least 6 months before surgery from 2016 to 2019. The follow up of the cases was for at least 6 months after surgery. Results: From 14 cases, 13 cases were female (92.86%) and one male (7.14%): 9 cases (64.29%) were traumatic and 5 cases (35.71%) were idiopathic. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was significantly decreased at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively and at the end of the study compared to preoperative VAS. Complete subsidence of preoperative pain (VAS = 0) was noted in 6 cases (35.71%), improvement was in 7 cases (50%) (VAS < 4) and VAS decreased from 8 to 6 in only one case (7.14%). Absolute satisfaction was noted in 85.72% of total cases, 7.14% was satisfied’ and 7.14% was dissatisfied. Regarding postoperative complications; one patient had wound dehiscence and another patient had local wound infection. Conclusions: Coccygectomy is an effective surgical method for relieving pain in patients with refractory coccydynia with minimal complications.

Keywords

• Coccygodynia
• Coccyx
• Coccygectomy
• Refractory
• Pain