title: Coccygectomy for intractable coccygodynia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Coccygectomy is an uncommon procedure that many surgeons are reluctant to perform due to its proximity to the anus and the risk of rectal perforation and infection.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and outcome of coccygectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively reviewed the operative results in nine patients (seven females and two males) who underwent coccygectomy for coccygodynia in the last 5 years following failure of conservative treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The outcome of the procedure was excellent in five patients, good in one patient and poor in two patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is mandatory to perform bone scanning in every patient with coccygodynia and before coccygectomy in order to rule out the presence of malignancy. Coccygectomy is recommended for patients with isolated coccygodynia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel.
authors.forename: Zeev
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Feldbrin
authors.forename: Menachem
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Singer
authors.forename: Ori
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Keynan
authors.forename: Valentine
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rzetelny
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hendel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003050:Coccyx / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012445:Sacrococcygeal Region