Management of Tarlov cysts: an uncommon but potentially serious spinal column disease-review of the literature and experience with over 1000 referrals.

Tarlov cysts were thought to be anatomic variants of uncertain etiology and clinical significance when initially described over 80 years ago. They are often detected in routine lumbosacral imaging and generally not reported in a differential diagnosis. There is increasing evidence that at least some Tarlov cysts are symptomatic and can have a significant adverse impact on patients' health and well-being. Women are disproportionately affected with this condition, often presenting with long-standing pain and neurological dysfunctions. Significant gender bias has been a concern in the management of these patients. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on patient selection or management approaches for symptomatic Tarlov cysts. This review article updates information on the prevalence, diagnosis, clinical significance, and treatments of these cysts. Based on these findings and experience with over 1000 patient referrals, a treatment decision algorithm for symptomatic Tarlov cysts was constructed to provide guidance for appropriate management of patients with these complex cysts.

Coccygectomy for refractory coccydynia, old-fashioned but effective procedure: A retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Coccydynia, characterized by persistent pain in the coccygeal region, significantly impacts patients' quality of life. While various treatment modalities exist, including conservative measures and surgical interventions like coccygectomy, optimal management remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes, functional improvements, and quality of life in patients with chronic coccydynia undergoing either infiltrative treatment or coccygectomy. METHODS: Data from patients treated at our institution from January 2018 to December 2022 were analyzed. Participants meeting inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: Group A underwent coccygectomy, while Group B received conservative therapy. Clinical assessments, radiographic evaluations, and patient-reported outcomes were collected preoperatively and at follow-up intervals. RESULTS: Of the 223 initially examined patients, 55 met inclusion criteria. Group A (n = 21) underwent coccygectomy, while Group B (n = 34) received conservative therapy. Both groups showed significant pain reduction post-intervention, with sustained improvement in Group A. Functional outcomes favoured Group A, with significant improvements in disability and quality of life measures. Complications were minimal, with only one case of superficial wound infection in Group A. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that coccygectomy provides superior and lasting pain relief, functional improvement, and quality of life improvement compared to conservative therapy. While complications were minimal, further research with larger cohorts is warranted to validate these results and explore long-term outcomes. Despite its historical association with complications, advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative care have led to improved outcomes and reduced complication rates. Thus, coccygectomy should be considered in the treatment algorithm for patients with debilitating coccydynia.

Coccygodynia in a Long-Term Cancer Survivor Diagnosed with Metastatic Cancer: A Case Report.

Background and Objectives: Rectal cancer is considered cured if no recurrence is found during the 5-year follow-up period after treatment. After this period, patients often believe that the cancer is completely eradicated. However, in modern society, where lifespans have become longer, it is important to recognize that metastatic cancer may occur long after the initial treatment has concluded. This highlights the necessity of continued vigilance and the long-term follow-up of cancer survivors. Case report: We present a case of metastatic cancer of the coccyx in an 87-year-old female patient. This patient had undergone successful surgery and treatment for rectal cancer 10 years prior. She was considered cured after the standard 5-year follow-up period as she showed no signs of recurrence. The patient presented with simple coccygeal pain as the main complaint, without any other accompanying symptoms such as weight loss, fever, or changes in bowel habits, typically associated with cancer recurrence. During the clinical evaluation, irregularities in the bone cortex were detected while performing a nerve block using ultrasound. Given these findings, further diagnostic evaluations were performed. Advanced imaging techniques including MRI and CT scans led to a diagnosis of coccygeal metastasis. Conclusions: While the 5-year mark post-treatment is a significant milestone for rectal cancer patients, it does not guarantee the absolute eradication of the disease. Long-term monitoring and a thorough evaluation of new symptoms are essential for the early detection and management of late metastatic recurrences. This approach ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate care, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life.

Follow-up of at least 3 years after ganglion impar block for control of chronic coccygodynia.

INTRODUCTION: Although it is well known that ganglion impar block (GIB) reduces pain in the short term in patients with chronic coccygodynia, there are insufficient data on long-term treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the long-term outcomes of patients who underwent GIB for chronic coccygodynia and possible factors that might affect these outcomes. METHODS: The pre-treatment, 1st-hour, and 3rd-week numeric rating scale (NRS) scores of patients who underwent GIB 36-119 (min-max) months ago (between November 2011 and October 2018) due to coccygodynia were obtained from the medical records. Final NRS scores and presence of factors that may affect success such as accompanying low back pain (LBP) were questioned via telephone interviews. Treatment success was defined as a 50% or more reduction in final NRS scores compared with pre-treatment NRS scores. RESULTS: Telephone interviews were made with 70 patients. Treatment success was achieved in 55.7% of the patients. The patients were divided into two groups as those who achieved treatment success (group A) and those who could not (group B) and were compared. The NRS scores at the 3rd week and the number of patients with LBP in the group B were significantly higher than the group A. No serious complications developed in any patients. CONCLUSION: In patients with chronic coccygodynia, GIB is an effective and safe treatment option for pain reduction in the long term. Accompanying LBP and high pain scores in the 3rd week after injection should be considered as parameters that negatively affect long-term treatment success.

Coccygectomy for refractory coccygodynia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We sought to systematically assess and summarize the available literature on outcomes following coccygectomy for refractory coccygodynia. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data concerning patient demographics, validated patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for pain relief, disability outcomes, complications, and reoperation rates were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies (18 retrospective and 3 prospective) were included in the quantitative analysis. A total of 826 patients (females = 75%) received coccygectomy (720 total and 106 partial) for refractory coccygodynia. Trauma was reported as the most common etiology of coccygodynia (56%; n = 375), followed by idiopathic causes (33%; n = 221). The pooled mean difference (MD) in pain scores from baseline on a 0-10 scale was 5.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.35 to 6.86) at a 6-12 month follow-up (FU); 5.02 (95% CI: 3.47 to 6.57) at > 12-36 months FU; and 5.41 (95% CI: 4.33 to 6.48) at > 36 months FU. The MCID threshold for pain relief was surpassed at each follow-up. Oswestry Disability Index scores significantly improved postoperatively, with a pooled MD from baseline of - 23.49 (95% CI: - 31.51 to - 15.46), surpassing the MCID threshold. The pooled incidence of complications following coccygectomy was 8% (95% CI: 5% to 12%), the most frequent of which were surgical site infections and wound dehiscence. The pooled incidence of reoperations was 3% (95% CI: 1% to 5%). CONCLUSION: Coccygectomy represents a viable treatment option in patients with refractory coccygodynia.

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

BACKGROUND: Treatment of coccygodynia is still a challenging entity. Clear surgical selection criteria are still lacking. The aim of the investigation was to establish a novel radiological classification for surgical decision-making in coccygodynia cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of standing and sitting X-rays of coccygodynia patients referred to a single centre from 2018 to 2020. The sacro-coccygeal angle (SCA), the intra-coccygeal angle (ICA) and the difference of the intervertebral disc height (∆IDH) were measured. All coccyges were distributed in subtypes and correlated with the patients' treatment. RESULTS: In total, 138 patients (female/male: 103/35) with a mean age of 45.6 ± 15.4 years were included in the study. In total, 49 patients underwent coccygectomy. Four different subtypes of displaced coccyges were identified: Type I with a non-segmented coccyx, anterior pivot, increased SCA and ICA from standing to sitting, ∆IDH = 1.0 ± 1.5 mm. Type II with a multisegmented coccyx, anterior pivot, increased SCA and ICA standing/sitting, ∆IDH = 1.1 ± 1.6 mm. Type III showed a posterior pivoted coccyx, negative SCA and ICA, ∆IDH = 0.6 ± 1.6 mm. Type IV is characterized by an anterior-posterior dissociation of the tail bone with a positive SCA, and the ICA shifted from a posterior to an anterior orientation. ∆IDH was - 0.6 ± 1.8 mm. CONCLUSION: The presented radiological classification could help to facilitate the surgical decision-making for patients with displaced os coccyx. In addition, lateral and sitting X-rays were easy to perform and did not need unnecessary ionizing radiation like in CT scans and were more cost-effective than MRI investigations. The subtypes III and especially IV were more likely leading to surgery.

[Questionnaire of the Ryzhikh National Medical Research Centre for Coloproctology is a new tool for assessing chronic pelvic pain and pelvic organ dysfunction]. / Oprosnik NMITs koloproktologii imeni A.N. Ryzhikh ­ novyi instrument otsenki khronicheskoi tazovoi boli i narusheniya funktsii tazovykh organov.

The article presents the work of a multidisciplinary team of experts from various fields of medicine to optimize the «Questionnaire for assessing chronic pelvic pain and pelvic organ dysfunction (QCPPD) of the Ryzhikh National Medical Research Centre for Coloproctology¼ for use in clinical practice. The survey of respondents was conducted from June 28 to September 28, 2021. As a result of this survey, by repeatedly making edits and clarifications during communication with respondents, the final version was obtained, which allows assessing the patient's subjective sensations by the nature and localization of pelvic pain, sensitivity disorders and pelvic organ function. The main objective of this Questionnaire is to differentiate patients with neurogenic pain from a huge number of patients with chronic pelvic pain. This aspect will allow a more targeted approach to the diagnosis and pathogenetically justified treatment of patients, including after appropriate instrumental examinations. The work of a multidisciplinary team implies a higher degree of objectification and terminological accuracy of the Questionnaire under discussion. The presented version of the «Questionnaire for assessing chronic pelvic pain and pelvic organ dysfunction (QCPPD) of the Ryzhikh National Medical Research Centre for Coloproctology¼ will be primarily used in coloproctological patients with pelvic pain problems and anal incontinence and obstructive defecation. Further studies will be directed to the clinical evaluation of the results of the work carried out.

Coccygectomy for coccygodynia: a cohort study with a long-term follow-up of up to 29 years.

PURPOSE: We aim to critically review the effectiveness and safety of coccygectomy with special regard to long-term outcomes. METHODS: Coccygectomy was performed in our clinic in 38 patients between 1990 and 2019. All these patients (32 females vs. 6 males) have failed to respond to conservative treatment for at least 6 months prior to surgery. All patients were available for follow-up after mean 12,3 years (2 months to 29 years, 11 patients had a minimum FUP of 24 years). We evaluated all patients clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: Nineteen patients reported traumatic and 17 patients reported idiopathic onset of their symptoms; one patient had clinical symptoms after childbirth and another patient had coccygodynia after extensive low back surgery. 36 of our 38 patients were free of pain at least 6 months after surgery and had good or excellent clinical results according to the VAS which improved from 6.37 (SD 1.08) preoperatively to 0.68 (SD 0.99) at the recent follow-up. Two patients showed an ODI > 22 at the recent follow-up (24 and 28) and 32 had an ODI equal or under 4. There was no statistical significant difference in terms of clinical outcome between the different radiological types of the coccyx. Postoperative complications were rare: 1 superficial infection and one re-operation 6 months after initial surgery due to an pre-existing exostosis which had not been removed at the index surgery; no neurological complications and no major bleeding occurred. No patient had recurrent onset of coccygodynia. 37 out of 38 patients would have coccygectomy again. CONCLUSIONS: Coccygectomy is a safe treatment option in patients with coccygodynia and shows excellent long-term results. We recommend to perform coccygectomy if patients fail to respond to conservative treatment for 6 months. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Coccygectomy for Chronic Refractory Coccygodynia in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients.

AIMS: Coccygodynia (also known as coccydynia and coccyalgia) described for the first time by Simpson in 1859. It is a disabling pain in the coccyx usually provoked by sitting or changing position from a sitting to a standing position. Treatment started with adjustment of ergonomics as specialized cushion for sitting, application of local heat, and oral analgesics. The aim of this study was to assess the results of total or partial coccygectomy for patients suffering from chronic refractory coccygodynia and not improving on conservative treatment in pediatrics and adolescents. METHODS: The study included 22 patients, 8 of them with chronic refractory coccygodynia not responding to conservative management underwent partial or total coccygectomy using Key's surgical exposure after good preoperative preparation. RESULTS: This study included 5 females (62.5%) and 3 males (37.5%), their ages ranged from 7 to 15 years. The results were excellent in 75% of patients and good in the remaining cases. The mean length of hospital stay was 1.43 ± 0.98 days. No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported. The parents were satisfied in almost all cases in the long term follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Coccygodynia is a disabling problem, especially in pediatric patients. Coccygectomy is a feasible management option and has a favorable outcome when performed for an appropriate indication.

Comparative evaluation of transsacrococcygeal and transcoccygeal approach of ganglion impar block for management of coccygodynia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Coccygodynia or Coccydynia is pain in the area of coccyx and ganglion impar block is commonly used technique for treatment of coccygodynia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients of either sex in the age group of 20-70 years suffering from coccygodynia, who failed to respond to six weeks of conservative treatment were enrolled in the study. All patients were subjected to detailed clinical history, examination in the Pain Management Centre (Pain Clinic) of our Institute and imaging studies were reviewed. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each by a computer generated randomization number table: Group-TS (n = 20): Patients were administered ganglion Impar block by trans-sacrococcygeal approach Group-TC (n = 20): Patients were administered ganglion Impar block by trans-coccygeal approach with 8 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine plus 2 ml of 40mg/ml methylprednisolone acetate under fluoroscopic guidance. RESULTS: Both the techniques of ganglion Impar block were effective and provided good pain relief to the patients with coccygodynia. There was a statistically and clinically significant improvement in pain score after ganglion Impar block in both the groups at all time intervals during the study period. (p < 0.05). The mean pain score after ganglion Impar block was <2 at all time intervals throughout the three month study period in all patients in the two groups. All patients in both the groups had excellent satisfaction immediately after ganglion Impar block. Five patients each in both groups required second ganglion Impar block during the three months study period. CONCLUSION: Both trans-sacrococcygeal and trans-coccygeal approaches of ganglion Impar block with a combination of local anaesthetic and steroid are safe and effective for management of coccygodynia. Trans-coccygeal ganglion Impar block through the first intra-coccygeal joint is better in terms of improvement in pain score, functional disability, patient satisfaction and ease of administration.

[Undetected coccyx fracture in a woman with fibromyalgia]. / Unentdeckte Os-coccygis-Fraktur bei Patientin mit Fibromyalgiesyndrom.

This article presents the case of a 46-year-old woman with fibromyalgia with an undetected fracture of the coccyx. The heterogeneity of the symptoms of patients suffering from fibromyalgia including chronic widespread pain, vegetative and functional disorders, mental and physical exhaustion as well as sleep disorders can cause accidentally undetected comorbidities, especially if these are rare and predominantly present with pain as the main symptom. In the present case the reason for symptoms was detected only after 14 months of ineffective therapies and diagnostic procedures. The coccygeal pain was eliminated through a coccygectomy as ultima ratio. It should be nevertheless emphasized that patients with fibromyalgia suffer from a central pain-processing disorder. Indications for operative treatment must be very carefully considered. Surgery should only be considered in consultation with the patient and after failed conservative therapy.

Comparison of block and pulsed radiofrequency of the ganglion impar in coccygodynia

Background/aim: Ganglion impar blockis used for the treatment of chronic coccygodynia. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the ganglion impar is a promising novel technique. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the efficacy of the blockade and PRF of the ganglion impar. Materials and methods: Thirty-nine consecutive patients diagnosed with coccygodynia and treated with a blockade or PRF of the ganglion impar were included in this retrospective study. We compared the ganglion impar block (GIB) group (n = 25) with the ganglion impar pulsed radiofrequency (GIPRF) group (n = 14) in terms of pain intensity and patient satisfaction. We applied a numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and a Likert scale (LS). Results: The NPRS scores in both groups had improved significantly from baseline at 3 weeks and at 3 and 6 months. However, in the sixth month, pain levels in the GIPRF group remained good, but they had returned to almost initial levels in the GIB group. Correspondingly, there were significant differences between groups in NPRS and patient satisfaction scores at 6 months (P ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: PRF neuromodulation provides significantly longer pain relief and reduces the risk of recurrence of pain in chronic coccygodynia as compared with blockade of the impar ganglion.

A Review of Current Treatment Options for Coccygodynia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Coccygodynia is pain within the coccyx area. The diagnosis is made clinically with symptoms of pain in the coccyx region and worsening pain in sitting position. The initial treatment is conservative therapy. For patients who do not respond to conservative therapies, there are further interventions available. This includes local injection of local anesthetics and steroids, neurolysis of sacral nerve roots, caudal epidural block, pulse radiofrequency (PRF), intra-rectal massage and manipulation, ganglion impar block, levator ani massage and stretching, coccyx manipulation, and coccygectomy. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the efficacies of these interventions in the treatment of coccygodynia. RECENT FINDINGS: Literature search was performed with the keywords including coccygodynia, treatment, and coccygectomy, on PubMed and Google Scholar between August 2012 and August 2017. Thirteen studies with patients age 18 and over who underwent treatments for coccygodynia were selected for analysis. These treatments include conservative therapies (physical therapy and capsaicin patch), interventional techniques (local injections with steroids and local anesthetic, pulsed radiofrequency ablation of ganglion impar, extracorporeal shock wave therapy), and surgical techniques (complete and partial coccygectomies). The results from these studies demonstrated that most patients had significant pain relief with these techniques. Our literature review demonstrated various interventions including coccygectomy can be effective in the treatment of coccygodynia refractory to conservative therapies. There is a growing body of clinical evidence to support that coccygectomy is an effective treatment for patients with debilitating pain who had failed interventional therapies. Further randomized control studies should be conducted to examine duration of pain relief after coccygectomy and associated surgical complications.

Concurrent lumbosacral and sacrococcygeal fusion: a rare aetiology of low back pain and coccygodynia?

Sacrum is a triangular bone placed in the base of the spine and formed by the synostosis of five sacral vertebrae (S1-S5). Its upper part is connected with the inferior surface of the body of L5 vertebra forming the lumbosacral joint, while its lower part is connected with the base of the coccyx forming the sacrococcygeal symphysis, an amphiarthrodial joint. The existence of four pairs of sacral fora-mina in both anterior and posterior surface of the sacrum is the most common anatomy. Nevertheless, supernumerary sacral foramina are possible to be created by the synostosis of lumbosacral joint or sacrococcygeal symphysis. We present a case of an osseous cadaveric specimen of the sacrum belonging to a 79-year-old Caucasian woman. A rare variation of the anatomy of the sacrum is reported; in which, the simultaneous fusion of the sacrum with both the L5 vertebra and the coccyx has created six pairs of sacral foramina. This variation should be taken into serious consideration, especially in the domain of radiology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics and spine surgery, because low back pain, coccygodynia and other neurological symptoms may emerge due to mechanical compression. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 397-399).

Ganglion Impar block improves neuropathic pain in coccygodynia: A preliminary report.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To define the effectiveness of ganglion Impar block in improving neuropathic pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had pain around the coccyx for more than three months and did not respond to conservative treatment were included in this study. All the patients underwent fluoroscopy guided transsacrococcygeal ganglion Impar block with injecting 3 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine, 2 mL saline, and 1 mL (40 mg) of methylprednisolone. Patients were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs scale (LANSS) for neuropathic pain, Beck depression Inventory (BDI) for mood and Short-form 12 (SF-12) for quality of life before, 1 month 3 months and 6 months after the injection. Patients' painless sitting duration was also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients were included in the final analyses. VAS and LANSS scores improved significantly throughout the follow-up periods. BDI scores also improved while SF-12 scores did not show significant changes. Painless sitting period of the patients' improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Ganglion Impar block is effective in decreasing the neuropathic component of chronic coccygodynia. This improves painless sitting in patients but its reflections on quality of life is not clear.

Coccygodynia review: coccygectomy case series.

BACKGROUND: Coccygodynia is a pain of the coccyx that is typically exaggerated by pressure. Management includes anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, and coccyx manipulation. Coccygectomy is the surgical approach for treating coccygodynia when the conservative management fails. Generally, coccygectomy yields good results. Its most common complication is wound infection. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of coccygectomy in patients with coccygodynia. METHODS: A retrospective review of 70 patients (52 females and 18 males) with coccygodynia at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh was carried out, and the outcomes were studied. Twenty patients did not respond to conservative management; therefore, bimanual coccyx manipulation was done. Eleven were identified with instability and did not respond to coccygeal manipulation. Coccygectomy was performed on 8 patients while 3 declined. RESULTS: All patients who underwent coccygectomy showed improvement of their symptoms. One case of superficial wound infection and delayed wound healing was encountered. CONCLUSION: Coccygectomy provides effective pain relief to patients not responding to conservative therapies.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of coccydynia: a series of 23 cases.

BACKGROUND: Coccydynia can lead to significant functional disability and worsening of quality of life if not properly managed. In this study, we aim to assess the outcomes of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with coccydynia. METHODS: A prospective case series study was carried out from January to December 2015. Twenty-three patients, mean age of 38.3 ± 12.1 (range 18-64), were included. The majority were females (13; 56.5%), had pain for at least 6 weeks (17; 73.9%) and had trauma to the sacrococcygeal region (17; 73.9%). They had three sessions (one session per week for three consecutive weeks) of focused shock wave therapy directed to the maximal point of coccygeal tenderness. Numerical pain scale and Oswestry disability index were used to assess outcome. RESULTS: Six (26.1%) patients did not complete the follow-up because of no, or minimal, improvement of their pain. After 6 months of follow-up, the median numerical pain scale significantly decreased from 7.0 ± 4.0 to 2.0 ± 2.0 among the 17 patients with coccydynia (p < 0.001). The median Oswestry disability index improved from 24.0 ± 9.0 before therapy to 8.0 ± 9.0 at final follow-up (p < 0.001). Before treatment, 12 (70.6%) patients had moderate-to-severe disability. In contrast, no patients had severe disability and only one (5.9%) patient had moderate disability at final follow-up (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy had favorable outcomes in treating coccydynia. The majority of patients had partial relief of their pain and disability following this therapy.

Sacrum and Coccyx Radiographs Have Limited Clinical Impact in the Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the yield and clinical impact of sacrum and coccyx radiographs in the emergency department (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive sacrum and coccyx radiographs obtained in the EDs of four hospitals over a 6-year period were categorized as positive for acute fracture or dislocation, negative, or other. Five follow-up metrics were analyzed: follow-up advanced imaging in the same ED visit, follow-up advanced imaging within 30 days, new analgesic prescriptions, clinic follow-up, and surgical intervention within 60 days. RESULTS: Sacrum and coccyx radiographs from 687 patients (mean age, 48.1 years; 61.6% women and 38.4% men) obtained at level-1 (n = 335) and level-2 (n = 352) trauma centers showed a positivity rate of 8.4% ± 2.1% (n = 58/687). None of the 58 positive cases had surgical intervention. At the level-1 trauma centers, there was no significant association between sacrum and coccyx radiograph positivity and analgesic prescription or clinical follow-up (p = 0.12; odds ratio [OR], 2.3; 95% CI, 0.81-6.20). At the level-2 trauma centers, 97.1% (n = 34/35) of patients with positive sacrum and coccyx radiographs received analgesic prescriptions or clinical referrals, whereas negative cases were at 82.9% (OR, 7.0; 95% CI, 0.94-52.50). Of all cases, 5.7% (n = 39) and 4.3% (n = 29) had advanced imaging in the same ED visit and within 30 days, respectively. Sacrum and coccyx radiography results had no significant correlation with advanced imaging in the same ED visit (level-1, p = 0.351; level-2, p = 0.179). There was no significant difference in 30-day advanced imaging at the level-1 trauma centers (p = 0.8), but there was at the level-2 trauma centers (p = 0.0493). CONCLUSION: ED sacrum and coccyx radiographs showed a low positivity rate and had no quantifiable clinical impact. We recommend that sacrum and coccyx radiographs be eliminated from ED practice and patients treated conservatively on the basis of clinical parameters.

Pain Relief due to Transsacrococcygeal Ganglion Impar Block in Chronic Coccygodynia: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Coccygodynia is a distressing condition that presents with pain around the coccyx. Impar (Walther) ganglion is a sympathetic ganglion located at the end of lumbosacral sympathetic chain. The objective of this study is to share our results and follow up of 34 ganglion impar blocks in 22 patients. DESIGN: Retrospective pilot study. SETTING: Interventional Pain Clinic in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in a university hospital. SUBJECTS: Twenty-two patients with coccygodynia who did not respond to conservative treatment and then presented to interventional pain clinic of a PM&R department in a university hospital METHODS: Pain was evaluated via 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS). VAS values were obtained before, 1 hour and 3 weeks after injection and during this study was conducted. RESULTS: For achieving at least 50% relief of pain, the success rate of a first injection was 82%, but accounted for three technical failures. In patients with a successful outcome, relief lasted for a median duration of 6 months. Relief was reinstated for a median period of 17 months by a second injection in nine patients who presented for repeat treatment. No relief was achieved in two of these patients when they presented for a third treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Ganglion impar block appears to be effective in patients who have coccygodynia resistant to conservative therapy, with high success rates and prolonged duration of effect. Controlled studies are required to reveal the mechanism of this effect.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of caudal epidural steroid injection as an adjuvant to ganglion impar pulsed radiofrequency therapy in chronic coccygodynia.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adding caudal epidural steroid injection (CESI) to ganglion impar pulsed radiofrequency (GI-PRF) therapy in patients with refractory chronic coccygodynia, and to determine the effect of pain duration and trauma on treatment success. Materials and methods: Forty patients who underwent GI-PRF (n = 20) or GI-PRF + CESI (n = 20) were retrospectively assessed for age, gender, pain duration, history of trauma to the coccyx, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores pre-procedure and 1, 3, and 6 months post-procedure and satisfaction rates at 6 months post-procedure. Satisfaction was categorized as excellent, high, moderate, and low. Results: In both groups, NRS scores were significantly decreased at 6 months (pre-vs. 6 mo. post-procedure: GI-PRF [8 vs. 5], GI-PRF + CESI [8.5 vs. 3.5]; p < 0.001). The proportion of patients reporting excellent satisfaction was significantly higher in the GI PRF + CESI group (50 % vs. 15 %; p < 0.05). Patients with trauma history in the GI-PRF + CESI group had significantly lower median NRS values at 6 months compared to patients in both groups with negative trauma history (p < 0.02). Within the GI-PRF only group, patients with trauma history had significantly lower NRS scores at 6 months than those without a history of trauma (p = 0.012). Pain duration did not significantly impact satisfaction levels (p = 0.055). Conclusion: GI-PRF therapy was effective in coccygodynia, especially in patients with positive trauma history, and adjuvant CESI increased patient satisfaction by providing better pain control.