Coccygectomy/Broken Tailbone Surgery in Bethlehem, PA

A broken coccyx can cause a lot of pain around the region in your upper buttocks, especially when you sit. This condition is known as coccydynia. Though tailbone pain is treatable through home remedies and some lifestyle changes, severe cases caused by a broken tailbone may need surgery to alleviate the symptoms.

NJ Spine & Orthopedic is now offering coccygectomy/broken tailbone surgery in Bethlehem, PA. Our team can help evaluate your medical records and devise a treatment plan for your symptoms. Our Concierge Team is also here to help streamline your appointment needs. 

What is a Coccygectomy?

The coccyx, or tailbone, is a triangular bone structure at the very bottom of your spine, below the sacrum. It’s made of about 3 to 5 fused vertebrae that progressively get smaller from top to bottom. Coccygectomy, therefore, refers to a surgical procedure to remove the coccyx. Generally, the surgeon may remove a part or the whole section of the tailbone, depending on the injury.

Though the coccyx is part of the bones that bear your weight when you sit, you don’t need it, and it can safely be removed without significantly affecting your life. The coccyx is difficult to heal, and if it is broken, a surgical procedure may be even more necessary. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we have conducted dozens of coccygectomy procedures and can help you alleviate your tailbone pain as well.

Who May Need Coccygectomy?

People with severe pain in the tailbone that doesn’t go away through conservative measures may benefit from broken tailbone surgery. Coccyx pain is primarily a result of a broken or fractured tailbone. Different factors may cause your tailbone to hurt or break, including:

• Sitting on a hard or narrow bench for long hours
• Falls, especially falling backward on your buttocks, may cause injury to the tailbone or cause it to break or dislocate
• Normal wear and tear 
• Repetitive motions like bicycling and rowing 
• Pregnancy or childbirth 
• Infection in the coccyx

Persistent pain in your tailbone can get in the way of your normal life, preventing you from everyday movements and tasks such as walking and sitting. If this is your current predicament, our experienced orthopedic and spine surgeons are ready to help you. We’ll advise you on the best treatment approach, and if coccygectomy is right for you, proceed with it to relieve your pain.

What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone?

Piercing pain in the coccyx region is the main sign that you might have a broken tailbone. This may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• Pain that worsens when sitting, walking, or leaning forward/backward
• Pain during bowel movements
• Painful buttocks
• Tingling, stiffness, and weakness in the legs
• A localized pain in the tailbone area

In most cases, tailbone pain may be treatable with adjustments in sitting behaviors, pain medications, physical therapy, or steroid injections. However, if your coccydynia is due to a broken or degenerated tailbone, surgery to remove the coccyx may be the appropriate method to relieve symptoms. 

How is Broken Tailbone Surgery Performed?

To diagnose a broken tailbone, our doctors will conduct X-ray and MRI scans to look for signs of fracture. If the surgeons ascertain an injury to the tailbone, they may suggest a coccygectomy. Before the surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will discuss your medical history, including any conditions and medications you’re taking or allergies you may have. They will also explain how the surgery will be conducted, including any risks and preparations.

During surgery, the surgeon will make a small cut on your sacrum to access the tailbone. Through the small incision, the surgeon inserts a small camera and a specially designed surgical tool that helps them to cut and remove the coccyx. Depending on the injury and the surgeon’s suggestions, a part or the whole coccyx may be removed.

The coccygectomy procedure takes about an hour, and then you’ll be moved to the recovery room, where your vitals and other signs will be monitored to prevent infections or other complications. Depending on your unique case, you may be allowed to go home after a few days.

Recovering From Coccygectomy

The general recovery depends on an individual case, age, and other conditions the patients might have. However, since we use minimally invasive techniques to conduct coccygectomy, minimal tissue damage occurs, translating to quick recovery. Most people make a full recovery between 12 weeks to a few months.

Sitting, standing, and walking may be uncomfortable for many weeks following the operation. To reduce the discomfort, the surgeons may recommend things such as:

• Using a gel-filled cushion or leaning forward when sitting
• Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees
• Physical therapy
• Avoiding sitting for long

Our team can help you mitigate symptoms after your tailbone surgery. 

Consult Spine Surgeons at NJ Spine & Orthopedic Today!

At some point in life, many individuals experience tailbone pain because of poor everyday behaviors, such as sitting down for long hours. In this case, the pain can disappear on its own or through some exercises, medications, or steroid injections. However, for those with a broken tailbone, a coccygectomy can help alleviate pain and other symptoms.

Our experienced, board-certified, and nationally recognized surgeons are now conducting coccygectomy/broken bone surgery in Bethlehem, PA. We have mastered and improved the art of minimally invasive techniques in this area, ensuring a high success rate, quick recovery, and very low risks of post-op complications. Call us today at (866) 553-0612 or fill out our online form to book a same-day appointment with our surgeons.