title: Coccydynia related to calcium crystal deposition.
abstract: METHODS
  Study of 4 cases of severe coccydynia revealing calcium deposits in the sacrococcygeal and intercoccygeal joints.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To highlight calcium crystal deposition as a cause of sudden-onset coccydynia.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Intervertebral disc calcification in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine is well known, but calcifications in the sacrococcygeal or intercoccygeal joints with symptoms have never been reported.
  
  
  METHODS
  All 4 patients presented with severe, sudden-onset coccydynia. Radiographs of the coccygeal area showed calcific deposits in the sacrococcygeal or intercoccygeal joints. Patients received a short course of oral corticosteroids or steroid injections.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Conservative management provided prompt relief in all but one case. In 2, the resolution of the calcific deposits as seen on follow-up radiography was highly suggestive of their apatite origin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Calcium crystal deposition in the sacrococcygeal or intercoccygeal joints can cause coccydynia. Conservative treatment is effective as a first-line approach.
authors.affiliation: Université Paris 7, UFR Médicale, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Lariboisière, Fédération de Rhumatologie, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Richette
authors.forename: Jean-Yves
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Maigne
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bardin
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002118:Calcium; D003050:Coccyx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003460:Crystallization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D002118:Calcium