Advances in Coccygectomy: A Comprehensive Review Evaluating Surgical Techniques for Coccygodynia

Background: Coccygodynia presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. While coccygectomy has emerged as a crucial intervention for refractory cases, significant heterogeneity exists in surgical techniques. Traditional approaches are increasingly complemented by novel methods, necessit...

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Main Authors: Barnabas Obeng-Gyasi, Ethan D. L. Brown, Anoop Sai Chinthala, Gordon Mao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Brain Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/15/2/213
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author Barnabas Obeng-Gyasi
Ethan D. L. Brown
Anoop Sai Chinthala
Gordon Mao
author_facet Barnabas Obeng-Gyasi
Ethan D. L. Brown
Anoop Sai Chinthala
Gordon Mao
author_sort Barnabas Obeng-Gyasi
collection DOAJ
description Background: Coccygodynia presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. While coccygectomy has emerged as a crucial intervention for refractory cases, significant heterogeneity exists in surgical techniques. Traditional approaches are increasingly complemented by novel methods, necessitating a comprehensive review of current surgical options. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Embase databases from inception to present. Search terms included “coccygectomy”, “coccydynia”, “coccygodynia”, “coccyx pain” and “tailbone pain”. We analyzed peer-reviewed studies focusing on surgical techniques, outcomes and complications of coccygectomy. Studies were excluded if non-peer-reviewed, non-English without translation, or not directly addressing surgical management. Results: Traditional midline approaches, while common, demonstrate increased wound complications compared to paramedian techniques. Minimally invasive methods, including coccygeoplasty and endoscopic coccygectomy, show promising early outcomes with reduced recovery times. Both partial and complete resections provide significant pain relief, with complete resection potentially offering superior results in severe cases. Wound closure technique significantly impacts surgical success. Conclusions: Optimal outcomes in coccygectomy require individualized surgical approaches incorporating modern techniques like paramedian incision and advanced wound closure. Emerging minimally invasive procedures may further reduce complications and enhance recovery. Treatment success depends on careful patient selection and surgical technique optimization.
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spelling doaj-art-276a0ba780dd4a09861f9d7891178dee2025-08-20T03:11:20ZengMDPI AGBrain Sciences2076-34252025-02-0115221310.3390/brainsci15020213Advances in Coccygectomy: A Comprehensive Review Evaluating Surgical Techniques for CoccygodyniaBarnabas Obeng-Gyasi0Ethan D. L. Brown1Anoop Sai Chinthala2Gordon Mao3Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 355 W. 16th Street, Goodman Hall Suite 5100, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USADepartment of Neurological Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, 500 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY 11549, USADepartment of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 355 W. 16th Street, Goodman Hall Suite 5100, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USADepartment of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 355 W. 16th Street, Goodman Hall Suite 5100, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USABackground: Coccygodynia presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. While coccygectomy has emerged as a crucial intervention for refractory cases, significant heterogeneity exists in surgical techniques. Traditional approaches are increasingly complemented by novel methods, necessitating a comprehensive review of current surgical options. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Embase databases from inception to present. Search terms included “coccygectomy”, “coccydynia”, “coccygodynia”, “coccyx pain” and “tailbone pain”. We analyzed peer-reviewed studies focusing on surgical techniques, outcomes and complications of coccygectomy. Studies were excluded if non-peer-reviewed, non-English without translation, or not directly addressing surgical management. Results: Traditional midline approaches, while common, demonstrate increased wound complications compared to paramedian techniques. Minimally invasive methods, including coccygeoplasty and endoscopic coccygectomy, show promising early outcomes with reduced recovery times. Both partial and complete resections provide significant pain relief, with complete resection potentially offering superior results in severe cases. Wound closure technique significantly impacts surgical success. Conclusions: Optimal outcomes in coccygectomy require individualized surgical approaches incorporating modern techniques like paramedian incision and advanced wound closure. Emerging minimally invasive procedures may further reduce complications and enhance recovery. Treatment success depends on careful patient selection and surgical technique optimization.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/15/2/213coccygectomycoccygodyniaminimally invasive techniquespain managementsurgical approaches
spellingShingle Barnabas Obeng-Gyasi
Ethan D. L. Brown
Anoop Sai Chinthala
Gordon Mao
Advances in Coccygectomy: A Comprehensive Review Evaluating Surgical Techniques for Coccygodynia
Brain Sciences
coccygectomy
coccygodynia
minimally invasive techniques
pain management
surgical approaches
title Advances in Coccygectomy: A Comprehensive Review Evaluating Surgical Techniques for Coccygodynia
title_full Advances in Coccygectomy: A Comprehensive Review Evaluating Surgical Techniques for Coccygodynia
title_fullStr Advances in Coccygectomy: A Comprehensive Review Evaluating Surgical Techniques for Coccygodynia
title_full_unstemmed Advances in Coccygectomy: A Comprehensive Review Evaluating Surgical Techniques for Coccygodynia
title_short Advances in Coccygectomy: A Comprehensive Review Evaluating Surgical Techniques for Coccygodynia
title_sort advances in coccygectomy a comprehensive review evaluating surgical techniques for coccygodynia
topic coccygectomy
coccygodynia
minimally invasive techniques
pain management
surgical approaches
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/15/2/213
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AT anoopsaichinthala advancesincoccygectomyacomprehensivereviewevaluatingsurgicaltechniquesforcoccygodynia
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