Coccygectomy/Broken Tailbone Surgery in Edison, NJ

Coccygectomy, or broken tailbone surgery, removes the tailbone. This procedure is often recommended for those who have a broken tailbone or have pain in that area for other reasons. There are two types of coccygectomy – partial and complete. 

A coccygectomy is generally only done after exhausting other treatment options such as steroid shots, physical therapy, medications, and more. Our team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can help you determine if this treatment is right for you. Our highly skilled coccygectomy surgeons in Edison, NJ can help you every step of the way to ensure that your tailbone pain will be alleviated.

What Is the Coccyx?

The coccyx is a small triangular bone at the base of your vertebral column. While you can certainly live without a tailbone, it does provide several functions such as being an insertion site for many tendons and ligaments. 

The coccyx is also a third of the three weight-bearing support systems that help a person when they are in a seated position. Many people with a broken tailbone or other tailbone pain tend to have trouble sitting for long periods of time without intense discomfort. 

Signs of a Damaged Coccyx

Despite the uncommon nature of tailbone fractures, they do still occur. They mostly happen to older people who have less bone density, but it can also happen to anyone with trauma or injury, such as a car accident.  

Signs of a damaged tailbone are dull pain in the region that switches to sharper pain when you sit, stand up, or bend forward. There may be a bruise in the area and tingling, numbness, or pins and needles sensation in the legs. You may also have pain or have to strain when having a bowel movement. Lastly, any pain when touching the tailbone area or with pressure like when sitting may show a tailbone fracture.

Who Is a Candidate for Coccygectomy/Broken Tailbone Surgery?

This type of surgery is most often done when there is tailbone pain resulting from: 

• Tumors
• Birth defects
• Injuries
• Aging or disease degeneration
• Psychosomatic conditions
• Idiopathic pain

It is often avoided if there is a nearby infection or an absence of no observable disease, inflammation, or tissue damage. If improvement is made with steroids and painkillers, surgery is often postponed until which time that there is no other choice.

If patients are still experiencing chronic tailbone pain after attempting non-surgical fixes first, a coccygectomy may help rid them from pain and give them a higher quality of life.

Things to Expect from a Coccygectomy/Broken Tailbone Surgery

A coccygectomy in Edison, NJ is done under general anesthesia by a spinal or orthopedic surgeon. Before your procedure, you may receive imaging and laboratory blood work. You’ll also be asked about your allergies, medications, and any chronic health conditions you may have, which can help inform the medical team about your condition and other potential issues that could arise.

After the surgery is completed, you will be placed in a recovery area for monitoring. Your vital signs and general wellness will be assessed. Generally, you will be allowed to get up from the hospital bed and be able to walk on the same day, depending on how you feel. It often takes about 3-5 days of staying in the hospital before you will be discharged with recovery instructions if there have not been any complications from the broken tail bone surgery in Edison, NJ.

The above are only general guidelines – you will be given a complete and specific recovery plan from your healthcare provider after your coccygectomy in Edison, NJ. You will also be given in-depth details on the surgical plan prior to going into the operating room. Our Concierge Team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can do all the heavy lifting to make sure your pre- and postoperative appointments move as smoothly as possible. 

What to Expect During Coccygectomy/Broken Tailbone Surgery Recovery

After you are home from your coccygectomy, you may be uncomfortable sitting for a few weeks afterward, but a gel cushion usually helps with this. You will also want to wear loose comfortable pants and avoid sitting for an extended period of time. Side sleeping can also help with discomfort. You’ll want to be on the lookout for complications such as:

• Pain and swelling
• Infection
• Rectum injury
• Bowel control loss
• Nerve damage

If you start to feel like you have any of these complications, you’ll need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Coccygectomy patients will need a couple of months to heal and may require several follow-up appointments to assess the process. Our skilled team will help support you every step of the way during recovery as well. 

Contact the Experienced Back Specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedic Today

If you are experiencing pain when sitting, inflammation, or other issues with your coccyx, the experienced broken tail bone surgeons Edison, NJ are here to help. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we’re committed to giving you excellent patient care and treatment options that fit your lifestyle. 

Contact us online for a consultation for more information about our broken tailbone surgery. You can also get in touch with us by calling 866-553-0612.