Coccygectomy/Broken Tailbone Surgery in Bridgewater, NJ
There are numerous ways to treat tailbone or coccyx pain, such as painkillers, rest, steroid injections, and physiotherapy. However, surgical removal of the coccyx is advisable when such conventional methods fail. The backbone experts at NJ Spine & Orthopedic have plenty of experience in handling tailbone surgeries.
Our minimally-invasive procedure uses the latest technology and tools for the best possible outcome. With a fantastic success rate in coccygectomy surgeries, we are one of the leading facilities in the country at doing this type of operation. Come to our Bridgewater, NJ office for more details about how we can help you today.
What Is a Coccygectomy?
Broken tailbone surgery, or coccygectomy, is a surgical procedure conducted to remove the coccyx. It is one of the treatment alternatives for coccydynia, which is defined as pain or discomfort in the tailbone area. This procedure is largely considered when all other conventional treatment methods have failed to help treat the condition.
Some surgeons conduct partial coccygectomy, while others do full coccygectomy. The first procedure involves the removal of only a section of the tailbone, while the latter refers to removing the entire organ. For instance, a part of your tailbone could be loosely connected to the sacral bone due to trauma to the area. In this case, a doctor can remove only that section in order to keep the rest of the tailbone intact.
Who Can Benefit From a Coccygectomy?
Broken tailbone surgery may be necessary if you have stubborn pain within the tailbone. The aches could result from local factors or be induced by other body parts. Some of these factors include:
- Congenital disabilities
- Fracture dislocations and other forms of injury
- Degenerative aspects, where the tailbone experiences progressive damage due to aging or disease
- Psychosomatic aspects, where mental factors such as stress cause or worsen the condition
In most instances, the organs near the coccyx also experience aches, typically known as “referred pain,” as it mimics coccydynia. The pain may also be caused by:
- Tumors in the hip bone
- Injuries within the lumbar region
- Lower lumbar spinal stenosis
- Painful degenerated disc or vertebral disc herniation
- Sacrococcygeal joint pain
There may be no need to conduct coccygectomy in situations when coccydynia occurs without a disease that is observable and measurable, such as tissue damage or inflammation. Also, it may not be necessary if conventional treatment mechanisms, such as painkillers, physiotherapy, cushions, and steroid injections, seem to work. Make sure you meet with a skilled doctor at NJ Spine & Orthopedic before undergoing tailbone surgery so that you can get the care and treatment you need.
What Happens During a Broken Tailbone Surgery?
A spinal surgeon or orthopedist will perform the coccygectomy. They will give you anesthesia before the process so that you can sleep through the operation. The following are some things to expect during the surgery.
Before the Surgery
Before undergoing surgery, your doctor will most likely:
- Request for some blood and imaging tests
- Look into chronic medical conditions, if you have any
- Request information about any current medications you are taking
Your doctor will also explain the details of the surgical process, including potential risks and complications, while also addressing your concerns and doubts related to the operation. If you have any questions about the surgery, it’s a good idea to ask them during this time.
During the Surgery
The anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia. Then, the surgeon will use an antiseptic to clean the skin and make an incision directly above the tailbone and will then partially or fully remove the coccyx.
After that, they will smoothen the prominent end of the sacrum. The surgical team will then use dissolvable stitches to seal the wound and cover it with a dressing. Following the surgery, your medical team will observe your recovery to make sure that you are progressing and healing well.
Come to NJ Spine & Orthopedic for a Minimally-Invasive Coccygectomy
Tailbone pain can lower your quality of life and may even leave you in agony depending on the severity. The pain affects the base of your spine, and when conventional pain relief methods fail, surgery to remove the tailbone is advised. The procedure, however, requires a surgical team with great expertise.
Contact the spine health experts at NJ Spine & Orthopedic to know whether coccygectomy is an option for your tailbone pain. Our board-certified specialists will stay in touch with you before and after the operation until you recover fully. Our Concierge Team will also help reduce any stress and streamline your treatment and appointments to help support you. Call our team at (866) 553-0612 today or contact us online. Our Bridgewater, NJ office is here to help you every step of the way.