Fusion of coccyx to sacrum in humans: Prevalence, correlates, and effect on pelvic size, with obstetrical and evolutionary implications

Tague, Robert G.

doi:10.1002/ajpa.21518

Cited by 22 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…The average fusion rate of the sacrococcygeal joint was 33.4%, similar to that of other studies 13141518). Fusion of the sacrococcygeal joint was more common in older patients, especially those in the eighth, ninth or tenth decades, while there was no significant difference between males and females.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Analysis of Sacrococcygeal Morphology in Koreans Using Computed Tomography

et al. 2016

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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.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Analysis of Sacrococcygeal Morphology in Koreans Using Computed Tomography

et al. 2016

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“…However, (11) found that In fourth age group(20-40 years) of European individuals the mean Coccygeal straight length in male is 4.4± 0.8 cm , while in female is 4.0 ± 0.8 cm. This difference is significant.…”

Section: Measurements Of Coccyxmentioning

confidence: 85%

Morphometric Study of the Normal Egyptian Coccyx from (Age 1-40 Year)

Shalaby¹

2015

IJCDA

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Abstract:Background: Coccyx is named as resemblance to curved beak of the cuckoo. The coccyx is a triangular bone consisting of three to five segments: the first is the largest, it articulates with the sacrum. The last three segments are smaller and form a single bony piece. The anterior surface presents three transverse grooves indicating site of fusion of these segments. Aim of the Work: To study the normal variations of coccyx in number of segments, shape, size, curves, in different age groups by plain X-ray, MRI scan. Patients and Methods: Study was carried out on 200 normal Egyptian individuals, and were divided into 4 groups:-First group from the age of 1 up to ˂ 6 years. Second group from the age of 6 years up to ˂ 12 years. Third group from the age of 12 years up to ˂ 20 years. Fourth group from 20 years up to 40 years. Each one of these groups comprises 50 persons (25 males & 25 females). A full medical history was taken and each individual was subjected for plain X-ray on the pelvis (Anteroposterior & Lateral View) to study the variations of the coccyx, forty individuals were subjected to MRI scan as ten from each group. Results: Three coccygeal segments were present in 138 (68.3%) of individuals. Most of the subjects had coccyx type I (82; 41.0%) Fig.(

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“…The literature on sacrococcygeal joint fusion is confusing. Diverse results have been reported from analyses of skeletal material [20,21], radiographs [3,13], and magnetic resonance images (MRI) [22]. There is no consensus on the prevalence of sacrococcygeal joint fusion or whether it varies with gender or age.…”

Section: Measurementmentioning

confidence: 99%

CT morphology and morphometry of the normal adult coccyx

et al. 2012

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Purpose Lack of data on the in vivo morphology and morphometry of the normal adult coccyx hampers understanding of radiological abnormalities in idiopathic coccydynia. The aim of this study was to investigate normal adult sacrococcygeal morphometry. Methods Retrospective analysis of 112 adult CT scans (mean age 63 ± 14.6 years, 50 males) evaluated the following: number of coccygeal segments; joint fusion; coccygeal spicules, subluxation, sacralization, and scoliosis; sacrococcygeal straight and curved lengths and curvature indices; sacrococcygeal and intercoccygeal angles; and lateral deviation of the coccyx tip. Results Four coccygeal segments were present in 76 % of scans. Sacrococcygeal fusion was present in 57 % and intercoccygeal fusion was increasingly common more caudally; there was no significant association with age or gender. A bony spicule was present in 23 %. Subluxation was rare. Nine of 12 coccyges with a retroverted tip were female. Mean coccygeal curved length was 4.4 ± 0.8 cm in men and 4.0 ± 0.8 cm in women (P \ 0.01). Mean angle between first and last coccygeal segments was 138°± 25°in men and 147°± 25°in women (P = 0.08). There was no significant correlation between coccygeal length or curvature and stature, age or BMI. Conclusions In this first detailed study of the CT morphology and morphometry of the adult coccyx, sacrococcygeal and intercoccygeal joint fusion was common. Female coccyges were shorter, straighter, and may be more prone to retroversion, factors that may be relevant to the markedly higher prevalence of idiopathic coccydynia in women.

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Fusion of coccyx to sacrum in humans: Prevalence, correlates, and effect on pelvic size, with obstetrical and evolutionary implications

Cited by 22 publications

References 32 publications

Analysis of Sacrococcygeal Morphology in Koreans Using Computed Tomography

Analysis of Sacrococcygeal Morphology in Koreans Using Computed Tomography

Morphometric Study of the Normal Egyptian Coccyx from (Age 1-40 Year)

CT morphology and morphometry of the normal adult coccyx

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