Surgery for Refractory Coccygodynia: Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment

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.

Neuromodulation Techniques in Chronic Refractory Coccydynia: A Narrative Review

Refractory coccydynia is a condition characterized by severe coccygeal pain and poses a challenging management dilemma for clinicians. Advancements in neuromodulation (NM) technology have provided benefits to people experiencing chronic pain that is resistant to standard treatments. This review aims to summarize the spectrum of current NM techniques employed in the treatment of refractory coccydynia along with their effectiveness. A review of studies in the scientific literature from 2012 to 2023 was conducted, revealing a limited number of case reports. Although the available evidence at this time suggests significant pain relief with the utilization of NM techniques, the limited scope and nature of the studies reviewed emphasize the need for large-scale, rigorous, high-level research in this domain in order to establish a comprehensive understanding of the role of NM and its effectiveness in the management of intractable coccydynia.

Clinical Outcome of Coccygectomy Using a Paramedian Curvilinear Skin Incision in Adults and Children With Meta-Analysis of the Literature Focusing on Postoperative Wound Infection

STUDY DESIGN

A single surgeon case series and meta-analysis of literature.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical outcome and patient satisfaction following coccygectomy for coccygodynia in adults and children using a curvilinear paramedian skin incision and to conduct a meta-analysis of the literature to determine the associated infection rate with different surgical factors.

METHODS

45 consecutive patients (40 adults and 5 children) underwent surgical coccygectomy for persistent coccygodynia symptoms using a paramedian curvilinear incision. Postoperative clinical outcome scores, patients' satisfaction and wound complications were assessed. A systematic literature search using specific MesH terms was then conducted covering the period from 1980 to 2020. Only those studies reporting infection rates post coccygectomy were included in a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The average age of patients was 39 years with a mean duration of symptoms prior to surgery of 7.4 years. The mean Oswestry Disability Index improved from 29 to 7.7 (P < .001). The mean pain Visual analogue scale improved from 8 to 2 (P < .001) and the median patient satisfaction score was 8 (out of 10) suggesting good to excellent outcome. The clinical improvement was the same in children and adults. There was a total of 5 (11%) wound infections, 2 of which needed surgical debridement. Meta-analysis of the included studies showed that the use of prophylactic antibiotics for 24 hours, nonabsorbable skin sutures and glue were associated with low infection rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Coccygectomy using curvilinear paramedian skin incision for chronic coccygodynia is an effective procedure with similar or lower complication rates as reported in the literature.

Comparative effects of radial and focused extracorporeal shock wave therapies in coccydynia

Objectives

This study was conducted to compare the effects of radial and focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with coccydynia.

Patients and methods

In this prospective randomized double-blind study conducted between March 2021 and October 2021, 60 patients with coccydynia (50 males, 10 females; mean age: 35.9±12.0 years, range 18 to 65 years) were randomized into three groups (n=20) according to different wave types of ESWT: focused, radial, and sham. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used for functional assessment in all patients before the treatment (baseline), after the completion of four sessions of treatment (fourth week), one month after the end of the treatment (eighth week), and three months after the end of the treatment (16^th week).

Results

The mean body mass index of the participants was 26.2±3.0. Compared to baseline, the VAS scores at four weeks were reduced only in the radial ESWT group (p<0.05). Compared to baseline, the VAS and ODI scores at eight and 16 weeks were significantly reduced in both the focused and radial ESWT groups (p<0.05 for all). The radial ESWT group was significantly superior to the focused ESWT group in the comparisons between the groups at four weeks in the VAS values and at 16 weeks in the ODI scores (p<0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Radial and focused ESWT are both effective in treating coccydynia compared to sham ESWT. However, radial ESWT may be more effective in the treatment of coccydynia.

Coccydynia-The Efficacy of Available Treatment Options: A Systematic Review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of available treatment options for patients with persistent coccydynia through a systematic review.

METHODS

Original peer-reviewed publications on treatment for coccydynia were identified using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines by performing a literature search of relevant databases, from their inception to January 17, 2020, combined with other sources. Data on extracted treatment outcome was pooled based on treatment categories to allow for meta-analysis. All outcomes relevant to the treatment efficacy of coccydynia were extracted. No single measure of outcome was consistently present among the included studies. Numeric Rating Scale, (NRS, 0-10) for pain was used as the primary outcome measure. Studies with treatment outcome on adult patients with chronic primary coccydynia were considered eligible.

RESULTS

A total of 1980 patients across 64 studies were identified: five randomized controlled trials, one experimental study, one quasi-experimental study, 11 prospective observational studies, 45 retrospective studies and unpublished data from the DaneSpine registry. The greatest improvement in pain was achieved by patients who underwent radiofrequency therapy (RFT, mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) decreased by 5.11 cm). A similar mean improvement was achieved from Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT, 5.06), Coccygectomy (4.86) and Injection (4.22). Although improved, the mean change was less for those who received Ganglion block (2.98), Stretching/Manipulation (2.19) and Conservative/Usual Care (1.69).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the progressive nature of treatment for coccydynia, starting with noninvasive methods before considering coccygectomy. Non-surgical management provides pain relief for many patients. Coccygectomy is by far the most thoroughly investigated treatment option and may be beneficial for refractory cases. Future randomized controlled trials should be conducted with an aim to compare the efficacy of interventional therapies amongst each other and to coccygectomy.

Recommendation of Surgery and Other Interventions Is Associated With Increased Patient Satisfaction With Orthopedic Outpatient Visits

The primary goal of our study was to determine whether satisfaction with orthopedic surgery outpatient visits is affected by a recommendation for surgery compared with a recommendation for nonoperative treatment, as measured by the Press Ganey Outpatient Medical Practice Survey (PGOMPS). Secondarily, we evaluated the effect of offering an injection, therapy, or any intervention (surgery, injection, therapy, immobilization, aspiration, or radiation therapy) on PGOMPS scores. To investigate this relationship, we reviewed new orthopedic outpatient visits at a tertiary academic center during a single year (2018). Patient satisfaction was defined as a PGOMPS score greater than the 33rd percentile. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression was conducted to determine the effect of a surgical recommendation and the effect of recommending an injection, therapy, or any intervention on the PGOMPS total score and provider subscore. Of the 1217 included patients, multivariate analysis showed that a surgical recommendation was significantly and independently associated with satisfaction on the PGOMPS total score and provider subscore. Multivariate analysis also showed that being offered an injection, therapy, or any intervention was significantly associated with higher PGOMPS total scores compared with not being offered those interventions. Patients who were offered surgery or other interventions were significantly more likely to be satisfied with their encounter and the surgeon. Patients who were offered surgery were significantly more likely to be satisfied with their encounter and the surgeon than those who were not offered surgery. Additionally, patients who were offered any intervention were significantly more likely to be satisfied with their encounter than those who were not offered an intervention. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(3):187-191.].

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.

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.

The interdisciplinary management of coccydynia: A narrative review

Pain that develops in the coccyx or surrounding tissues is known as coccydynia, which occurs as a result of many etiologies both traumatic and nontraumatic. Although coccydynia most commonly affects middle-aged women, it may be found in both sexes and in all age groups. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the presentation, diagnostic imaging, and pathophysiology of coccydynia, and to comprehensively review the current treatment options. A review of publications from 1990 to 2020 using search words related to the treatment of coccydynia in PubMed and Google Scholar was completed. Level II evidence was found supporting stretching, manipulation, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy. There are no data from high-quality studies to support injection-based therapy including corticosteroids, prolotherapy, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation, although there are small retrospective and prospective observational studies suggesting benefit. Level III evidence was found supporting coccygectomy for chronic/refractory coccydynia. There are no data from randomized controlled trials to support the use of neuromodulation (sacral burst and dorsal root ganglion stimulation), although there are case reports suggesting benefit. High-level, comparative studies are lacking to guide the treatment of coccydynia and should be a focus for future research studies.

Conservative treatment for chronic coccydynia: a 36-month prospective observational study of 115 patients

PURPOSE

To describe long-term outcomes of conservative treatment for chronic coccydynia.

METHODS

We conducted a 36-month prospective observational study. Adults with chronic coccydynia (> 2 months) were included. The first-line treatment was coccygeal corticosteroid injection. The second-line treatment was either manual therapy or coccygectomy. The primary endpoint was the mean variation from baseline of coccydynia intensity at 6 and 36 months, using a numeric rating scale (0, no pain; 10, maximal pain). Evolution was considered unfavorable when coccydynia intensity was > 3 of 10 points at 36 months or coccygectomy had been performed. We carried out bivariate and multivariate analyses to identify variables associated with an unfavorable evolution.

RESULTS

We included 115 participants. Mean (SD) age was 43.5 (12.3) years, duration of coccydynia 18.4 (21.6) months and coccydynia intensity 6.5 (2.0) of 10 points. Mean variations for coccydynia intensity were - 1.5 (3.0) at 6 months and - 2.8 (3.2) at 36 months. At 36 months, 59/115 (51%) participants had an unfavorable evolution. In bivariate analysis, posterior coccyx dislocations were numerically more frequent in participants with an unfavorable evolution compared to others (29/59 (48%) versus 17/56 (30%), p = 0.057). In multivariate analysis, longer duration of coccydynia was associated with an unfavorable evolution (OR = 1.04, 95% CI from 1.01 to 1.07, p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

In adults with chronic coccydynia receiving conservative treatment, symptoms decrease overtime, but significantly persist at 36 months in more than half of them. For patients with posterior coccyx dislocation, coccygectomy may be considered rapidly.

Factors associated with patient-reported outcomes following coccygectomy for chronic coccydynia

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with poor outcome following coccygectomy on patients with chronic coccydynia and instability of the coccyx.

Methods

From the Danish National Spine Registry, DaneSpine, 134 consecutive patients were identified from a single centre who had coccygectomy from 2011 to 2019. Patient demographic data and patient-reported outcomes, including pain measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire, and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) were obtained at baseline and at one-year follow-up. Patient satisfaction was obtained at follow-up. Regression analysis, including age, sex, smoking status, BMI, duration of symptoms, work status, welfare payment, preoperative VAS, ODI, and SF-36 was performed to identify factors associated with dissatisfaction with results at one-year follow-up.

Results

A minimum of one year follow-up was available in 112 patients (84%). Mean age was 41.9 years (15 to 78) and 97 of the patients were female (87%). Regression showed no statistically significant association between the investigated prognostic factors and a poor outcome following coccygectomy. The satisfied group showed a statistically significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes at one-year follow-up from baseline, whereas the dissatisfied group did not show a significant improvement.

Conclusion

We did not identify factors associated with poor outcome following coccygectomy. This suggests that neither of the included parameters should be considered contraindications for coccygectomy in patients with chronic coccydynia and instability of the coccyx.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(7):540–544.

The efficacy of coccygectomy in patients with persistent coccydynia

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of coccygectomy in patients with persistent coccydynia and coccygeal instability.

METHODS

The Danish National Spine Registry, DaneSpine, was used to identify 134 consecutive patients who underwent surgery, performed by a single surgeon between 2011 and 2019. Routine demographic data, surgical variables, and patient-reported outcomes, including a visual analogue scale (VAS) (0 to 100) for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), and the Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) were collected at baseline and one-year postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 112 (84%) patients with a minimum follow-up of one year had data available for analysis. Their mean age was 41.9 years, and 15 (13%) were males. At 12 months postoperatively, there were statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) from baseline for the mean VAS for pain (70.99 to 35.34), EQ-5D (0.52 to 0.75), ODI (31.84 to 18.00), and SF-36 PCS (38.17 to 44.74). A total of 78 patients (70%) were satisfied with the outcome of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Patients with persistent coccydynia and coccygeal instability resistant to nonoperative treatment may benefit from coccygectomy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):542-546.

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.

Reporting and utilization of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) measures in orthopedic research and practice: a systematic review

Background

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System^Ⓡ (PROMIS^Ⓡ) is a dynamic system of psychometrically sound patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. There has been a recent increase in the use of PROMIS measures, yet little has been written about the reporting of these measures in the field of orthopedics. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to determine the uptake of PROMIS measures across orthopedics and to identify the type of PROMIS measures and domains that are most commonly used in orthopedic research and practice.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus using keywords and database-specific subject headings to capture orthopedic studies reporting PROMIS measures through November 2018. Our inclusion criteria were use of PROMIS measures as an outcome or used to describe a population of patients in an orthopedic setting in patients ≥ 18 years of age. We excluded non-quantitative studies, reviews, and case reports.

Results

Our final search yielded 88 studies published from 2013 through 2018, with 57% (50 studies) published in 2018 alone. By body region, 28% (25 studies) reported PROMIS measures in the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, hand), 36% (32 studies) reported PROMIS measures in the lower extremity (hip, knee, ankle, foot), 19% (17 studies) reported PROMIS measures in the spine, 10% (9 studies) reported PROMIS measures in trauma patients, and 6% (5 studies) reported PROMIS measures in general orthopedic patients. The majority of studies reported between one and three PROMIS domains (82%, 73 studies). The PROMIS Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) approach was most commonly used (81%, 72 studies). The most frequently reported PROMIS domains were physical function (81%, 71 studies) and pain interference (61%, 54 studies).

Conclusion

Our review found an increase in the reporting of PROMIS measures over the recent years. Utilization of PROMIS measures in orthopedic populations is clinically appropriate and can facilitate communication of outcomes across different provider types and with reduced respondent burden.

Registration

The protocol for this systematic review was designed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and is registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42018088260).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-020-02068-9.

Normal Preoperative Images Do Not Indicate a Poor Outcome of Surgery for Coccydynia

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term outcomes after surgery for refractory coccygodynia in patients with normal imaging studies compared with patients where imaging shows an anomaly.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Patients with coccydynia who do not respond to conservative treatment will often profit from coccygectomy. Most surgeons employ plain radiographs or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in their preoperative work-up. These will often show anomalies, but in some cases they do not. We investigated whether these patients do less well than those with abnormal images.

METHODS

We operated on 184 patients with coccydynia during a 7-year period and 171 (93%) responded to follow-up questionnaires after 37 (range: 12-85) months. Images of 33 patients were normal and 138 showed some coccygeal pathology. Surgery was considered to have been unsuccessful when respondents stated at review that they were somewhat better, unchanged, or worse.

RESULTS

There were no clinically or statistically significant differences in outcome between the groups. Surgery was unsuccessful in 24% of patients with normal images and in 32% among those with abnormal images. The median pain scores (0-10) during the week before review were two (interquartile range [IQR]: 0-3) and one (IQR: 1-5) in the two groups respectively. Similar proportions in the two groups stated that they would not have consented to surgery if they had known the outcome in advance.

CONCLUSION

Patients with severe coccydynia who have not responded to conservative treatment should not be denied surgery only because their radiographs or MRI studies look normal.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

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.

The treatment of coccydynia in adolescents: A case-control study

Aims

To determine if the results of treatment of adolescents with coccydynia are similar to those found in adults. Adult patients with coccydynia may benefit from injection therapy or operative treatment. There is little data evaluating treatment results in adolescents. We have treated adolescent patients similarly to adults and compared the outcomes.

Methods

Overall, 32 adolescents with coccydynia were treated at our institution during a seven-year period; 28 responded to final follow-up questionnaires after a minimum of one year, 14 had been treated with only injection therapy, and 14 had been operated with coccygectomy. We collected data with regards to pain while sitting, leaning forward, rising from a sitting position, during defecation, while walking or jogging, and while travelling in trains, planes, or automobiles. Pain at follow-up was registered on a numeric pain scale. Each adolescent was then matched to adult patients, and results compared in a case control fashion. The treatment was considered successful if respondents were either completely well or much better at final follow-up after one to seven years.

Results

Out of the 28 treated adolescents, 14 were regarded as successfully treated. Seven were somewhat better, and the remaining seven were unchanged. In the adult control group the corresponding number was 15 successfully treated, eight patients were somewhat better, and five were unchanged. Six of the 14 successfully treated adolescents had been operated. There were no significant differences between the groups in the various registered domains, or on numeric pain scale.

Conclusion

Treatment results in adolescent patients seem similar to those in adults. The long-term success rate of injection therapy is low. In case of injection treatment failure, operation may be considered, also in adolescents.

Outcomes of Coccygectomy Using the "Z" Plasty Technique of Wound Closure

STUDY DESIGN

Technical note.

OBJECTIVES

Coccygectomy for chronic coccydynia has a high rate of successful clinical outcome. However, the procedure is associated with increased incidence of wound dehiscence and surgical site infection. The main objective was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of coccygectomy using the Z plasty technique of wound closure.

METHODS

Patients with chronic coccydynia refractory to conservative treatment underwent coccygectomy followed by Z plasty technique of wound closure between January 2013 and February 2018. Primary outcome measure was evaluation of the wound healing in the postoperative period and at follow-up; secondary outcome measure included visual analogue scale (VAS) score for coccygeal pain.

RESULTS

Ten patients (male:female 6:4) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 40.78 years (range 19-55 years). The mean follow-up was 1.75 years (range 6 months to 5 years). All wounds healed well with no incidence of wound dehiscence or surgical site infections. The mean VAS improved from 7.33 ± 0.5 to 2.11 ± 1.2 (P < .05). Nine patients reported excellent outcomes and 1 patient reported poor outcome with regards to relief from coccydynia.

CONCLUSION

Z plasty technique of wound closure is recommended as procedure of choice to avoid wound healing problems and surgical site infections associated with coccygectomy. Coccygectomy remains a successful treatment modality for chronic coccydynia.

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System in spine surgery: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was developed to provide a standardized measure of clinical outcomes that is valid and reliable across a variety of patient populations. PROMIS has exhibited strong correlations with many legacy patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. However, it is unclear to what extent PROMIS has been used within the spine literature. In this context, the purpose of this systematic review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the PROMIS literature for spine-specific populations that can be used to inform clinicians and guide future work. Specifically, the authors aimed to 1) evaluate publication trends of PROMIS in the spine literature, 2) assess how studies have used PROMIS, and 3) determine the correlations of PROMIS domains with legacy PROs as reported for spine populations.

METHODS

Studies reporting PROMIS scores among spine populations were identified from PubMed/MEDLINE and a review of reference lists from obtained studies. Articles were excluded if they did not report original results, or if the study population was not evaluated or treated for spine-related complaints. Characteristics of each study and journal in which it was published were recorded. Correlation of PROMIS to legacy PROs was reported with 0.1 ≤ |r| < 0.3, 0.3 ≤ |r| < 0.5, and |r| ≥ 0.5 indicating weak, moderate, and strong correlations, respectively.

RESULTS

Twenty-one articles were included in this analysis. Twelve studies assessed the validity of PROMIS whereas 9 used PROMIS as an outcome measure. The first study discussing PROMIS in patients with spine disorders was published in 2012, whereas the majority were published in 2017. The most common PROMIS domain used was Pain Interference. Assessments of PROMIS validity were most frequently performed with the Neck Disability Index. PROMIS domains demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with the legacy PROs that were evaluated. Studies assessing the validity of PROMIS exhibited substantial variability in PROMIS domains and legacy PROs used for comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been a recent increase in the use of PROMIS within the spine literature. However, only a minority of studies have incorporated PROMIS for its intended use as an outcomes measure. Overall, PROMIS has exhibited moderate to strong correlations with a majority of legacy PROs used in the spine literature. These results suggest that PROMIS can be effective in the assessment and tracking of PROs among spine populations.

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.