Coccydynia related to calcium crystal deposition.
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.
Richette
Pascal
P
Université Paris 7, UFR Médicale, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Lariboisière, Fédération de Rhumatologie, Paris, France.
Maigne
Jean-Yves
JY
Bardin
Thomas
T
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
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D002118:Calcium