Analysis of Sacrococcygeal Morphology in Koreans Using Computed Tomography

Abstract

BackgroundThe sacrococcygeal morphology of Arabs and Europeans has been studied using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging to determine the cause of coccydynia. Studies have suggested differences in sacrococcygeal morphology among ethnic groups. However, there are no data on the sacrococcygeal anatomy of Koreans.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 606 pelvic CT scans that were taken at Cheju Halla General Hospital between 2008 and 2014. Fractures of the sacrum or coccyx were excluded. Differences in the sacrococcygeal morphology among age groups stratified by decade of life and between genders were analyzed using sagittal plane pelvic CT scans. The morphological parameters studied were the sacral and coccygeal curved indexes, sacrococcygeal angle, intercoccygeal angle, coccygeal type, coccygeal segmental number, and sacrococcygeal fusion.ResultsThe average sacral and coccygeal curved indexes were 6.15 and 7.41, respectively. The average sacrococcygeal and intercoccygeal angles were 110° and 49°, respectively. Type II coccyx was most common, and the rate of sacrococcygeal fusion was 34%. There was a moderate positive correlation between age and the sacral curved index (r = 0.493, p = 0.000) and a weak negative correlation between age and the coccyx curved index (r = −0.257, p = 0.000). There was a weak negative correlation between age and the intercoccygeal angle (r = −0.187, p = 0.000). The average intercoccygeal angle in males and females was 53.9° and 44.7°, respectively.ConclusionsThe sacrum tended to be more curved and the coccyx straighter with age. The coccyx was straighter in females than males. Knowledge of the sacrococcygeal anatomy of Koreans will promote better understanding of anatomical differences among ethnicities and future studies on coccydynia.

Coccygeal Morphology on Multislice Computed Tomography in a Tertiary Hospital in India

“…Type II coccyx was the most common in that ethnic group. Sacrococcygeal fusion was found in 34% of the sample [ 14 ]. Lee et al [ 15 ], in their morphometric study of the coccyx using three-dimensional reconstruction in 136 normal adult pelvises, found that most of the measured coccyx parameters were larger in males than in females, with the exception of sacrococcygeal and intercoccygeal curvature angles.…”

The Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Chronic Coccydynia

“…Coccydynia is defined as pain in the coccyx and/or coccygeal joints [1-5]; it is five times more common in women than in men [6]. Pain related to coccydynia is aggravated by sitting or prolonged sitting in the same position and cycling [1, 3, 7].…”

“…Coccydynia most commonly occurs after a traumatic event, but it also has less common non-traumatic etiologies. A fall on to the tailbone and subsequent non-union of the fracture is the most common cause [1, 3, 7]. Repetitive microtrauma, like childbirth, can also lead to pain and may help explain the increased incidence in women [3].…”

“…Repetitive microtrauma, like childbirth, can also lead to pain and may help explain the increased incidence in women [3]. Repetitive microtrauma and infant delivery are other common causes [3, 4, 7]. The pain may also be related to lumbar stenosis and disk degeneration [1-3].…”

Koksidinialı Hastalarda koksiksin morfometrik değerlendirilmesi ve sınıflandırması

“…[10] According to the Postacchini-Massobrio classification [10], type 1 coccyx was most common. [3,16] Some studies state that type 2 [3,6] and other state that type 1 [17] most commonly requires coccygectomy. In our study, type 1 coccyx was most common among patients with coccydynia and that type 1 most frequently required coccygectomy.…”