Definition

A coccyx fracture is a broken tailbone. The coccyx is the lowest part of the backbone or spine. It is small and shaped like a triangle. The bone curves gently from the end of the spine into the pelvis.

Causes

Coccyx fracture is caused by trauma. Trauma may be caused by:

• Falls
• Childbirth, which may result in a newborn breaking the mother’s coccyx

Fractures may may also occur during straining or friction, such as with rowing or bike riding.

Risk Factors

Coccyx fractures are more common in women. Other risk factors that may increase your chance of a coccyx fracture include:

• Increased age
• Osteoporosis
• Certain diseases or conditions that result in bone or mineral loss, such as abnormal or absent menstrual cycles or menopause
• Decreased muscle mass
• Certain congenital bone conditions
• Participating in certain activities, such as skating or contact sports that may lead to falls in a seated position
• Violence

Symptoms

A coccyx fracture may cause:

• Pain that increases with sitting or getting up from a chair
• Pain that increases during a bowel movement
• Tenderness over the tailbone

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and how the injury occurred. A physical exam will be done. The exam may include a rectal exam. If the coccyx is fractured, your doctor may feel abnormal movement of the coccyx. You will experience pain. X-rays may or may not be needed.

Treatment

The goal is to manage pain until the bone can heal. The location of the coccyx and the number of muscles attached to it makes it difficult to prevent it from moving while it is healing. Generally, pain will go away on its own.

The area may remain painful for a long period of time, even after the fracture has healed. You may be advised to stay in bed for a day or two, or move only as comfort allows.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of a coccyx fracture, take these steps:

• Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the bone.
• Build strong muscles to prevent falls.
• Wear proper padding and safety equipment when participating in sports or activities.

To help reduce falling hazards at work and home, take these steps:

• Clean spills and slippery areas right away.
• Remove tripping hazards such as loose cords, rugs, and clutter.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.
• Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower or tub.
• Put in handrails on both sides of stairways.
• Walk only in well-lit rooms, stairs, and halls.
• Keep flashlights on hand in case of a power outage.

American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine http://www.sportsmed.org

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org

Coccydynia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated June 28, 2010. Accessed September 12, 2014

Fractured coccyx. Cure Back Pain website. Available at:
http://www.cure-back-pain.org/fractured-coccyx.html
Accessed September 12, 2014.

Low back pain. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00311
Updated December 2013. Accessed September 12, 2014.

Spinal cord injury—acute management. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated December 10, 2013. Accessed September 12, 2014.