Coccyx fracture: sequelae and consequences

Depending on the degree of involvement and the type of rupture of the coccyx, there could be the possibility that some sequelae or consequences of it may develop, since in some cases nearby structures such as ligaments and muscles are more compromised, causing the symptomatology and recovery is broader. For practical purposes, the coccyx fracture is classified into:

• Angled without displacement.
• Angulated with incomplete anterior displacement.
• Complete anterior displacement of the coccyx due to sacral fracture.
• With or without displacement. accompanied by comminuted fragmentation of a segment.

After the rupture of the coccyx , the body stimulates the repair of bone tissue on its own, so there may be a greater deposit of salts and the formation of the so-called bone callus, which is replaced by the corresponding bone fragment. However, one of the risks when breaking the coccyx is that its repair process is abnormal , causing the structure to not fully grow or have grown excessively and, consequently, there is an incorrect union that can cause some alterations.

This poor union in the coccyx fracture can cause chronic pain , mainly when sitting or standing up, in addition to possible problems with defecation due to the pressure that it could exert on the intestines. In these cases, the most advisable is surgical intervention on an outpatient basis and does not usually take more than half an hour, but even undergoing this treatment, recovery and improvement of symptoms can be slow, ranging from a couple of months to a year. after doing it.

During pregnancy, it is common for many women to experience pain in the coccyx because the joints in the area become less tense, more flexible and with greater mobility to facilitate the delivery of the baby, so it can be more noticeable in the last trimester. . Fracture of the coccyx at this stage can be caused by poor positioning due to its wider movement or by trauma.

The consequences of a broken tailbone, whether it occurred before or during pregnancy, can make delivery more complicated and the specialist may choose a cesarean delivery if the pain is very strong, if pressure is being exerted on other pelvic structures that prevent the passage of the fetus or there is a regeneration of the bone in an incorrect position that could affect the baby. However, if the fracture is mild and the doctor considers it appropriate, natural childbirth can be attempted following a series of recommendations, such as staying upright during conception.

Of the sequelae of a coccyx fracture, pain in this area is one of the most frequent and persistent. This is due to the fact that the poor position of said vertebral bone, either before or after the tissue regenerates, can compress the nerve endings, affecting the muscles and nearby tissues, especially when making movements that favor its curvature and exert increased pressure.

This pain in the coccyx is usually severe and felt along the affected nerve and its branches, so it may spread to the perineum, abdomen, and chest. Consequently, it can limit the physical activity of those who suffer from it, since it is exacerbated with exertion in the pelvic region, even with daily movements such as walking, sitting and defecating. Although over time it tends to decrease in intensity, it remains constant and, therefore, it is necessary to go to a doctor for treatment.

Although it is very rare to occur, there is a risk of bone marrow damage if the rupture of the coccyx is accompanied by displacement of the fragments, since these could reach the marrow and compress it. This in turn affects the irrigation of blood vessels and nerve endings, altering some functions, especially those related to the brain connection.

If the person suffers from a spinal cord injury due to the coccyx fracture, they may notice some sequelae, including severe headaches and pain in the coccyx area, especially when bending over, numbness and weakness of the limbs and sphincter control problems.

Due to the fact that the coccyx is linked to important structures of the pelvis and nerve endings, there is a risk that the patient with a break in said bone of the spine may present certain sequelae and consequences. However, these conditions occur infrequently, especially if the medical treatment and care indicated during recovery are followed. Of the alterations that could be noted due to an incorrect evolution of the coccyx fracture, the following stand out:

• Chronic headaches
• Prolonged constipation
• Quistes del hips.
• Limited leg movement.
• Problems with toilet training.
• Fistula formation.
• Abscesses in the coccyx.
• Formation of blood clots by restriction in mobility.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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