Spine Fracture, Tailbone (Coccyx)

A complete or incomplete break in the coccyx (tailbone).

Body Parts Involved

• Coccyx (lower tip of the spine).
• Joints connecting the coccyx to the sacrum.
• Soft tissue around the fracture site, including muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels and connective tissue.

Causes

• Falling into a sitting position on the tailbone.
• Direct blow or kick to the tailbone.

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain at the fracture site.
• Swelling and bruising of soft tissue around the fracture.
• Tenderness to the touch.

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

First Aid

• Cut away clothing, if possible, but don't move the injured area to do so.
• Apply ice packs to the injured site to decrease swelling and pain.
• Elevate the injured part above the level of the heart to reduce swelling and prevent accumulation of excess fluid. Use pillows to prop the lower part of the body or elevate the foot of the bed.
• Keep the injured person warm. Cover with blankets to decrease the possibility of shock.
• The doctor will manipulate the broken coccyx into normal position in a "closed" procedure (without surgery) or will remove the coccyx surgically. Manipulation should be done as soon as possible after injury. Six or more hours after the fracture, bleeding around the injury and displacement of body fluids may lead to shock. Also, many tissues lose their elasticity and become difficult to return to a normal position.

Continuing Care

Treatment after manipulation or surgical removal:

• Use frequent ice massage. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the tailbone area in a circle about the size of a softball. Do this for 15 minutes at a time, 3 or 4 times a day.
• Apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments or ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe:

• General, spinal or local anesthesia during surgery to remove the fractured coccyx.
• Narcotic or synthetic narcotic pain relievers for severe pain, and acetaminophen for mild pain.
• Stool softeners to prevent constipation due to inactivity.
• Antibiotics to fight infection if skin is broken or surgery is needed.

Home Diet

• Drink only water before manipulation or surgery to treat the fracture. Solid food in your stomach makes vomiting while under anesthesia more hazardous.
• During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.
  

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of injured areas, including all of the lower back, pelvis and hips.

Prevention Tips

• Use appropriate protective equipment, such as sacral or "tailbone" pads, during participation in contact sports.
• Ensure an adequate calcium intake (1000mg to 1500mg a day) with milk and milk products or calcium supplements.