33 Central Ave Midland Park NJ 07432

Coccygectomy Surgery in Midland Park, NJ

Coccygectomy Surgery in Midland Park, NJ

The coccyx, also known as the tailbone, is a small, triangular bone at the base of the spine. It consists of three to five bones that may or may not fuse over time, depending on the individual. The coccyx is connected to the sacrum, the base of the spinal cord that sits within the pelvis. The tailbone and sacrum may also fuse together with age and are connected by a joint.

While many misconstrue the tailbone as a nonfunctioning appendage, it actually has more significance than most people realize. The functions of the tailbone include:

  • Attachment site for tendons and ligaments
  • Attachment site for pelvic floor muscles, which are important for functions like continence and defecation
  • Stabilization and balance while sitting

Coccyx Pain

The tailbone has a notorious reputation for causing excruciating pain upon injury. It can be bruised or broken from trauma or even childbirth. These temporary injuries are treated with:

  • Anti-inflammatory and corticosteroid medications
  • Rest
  • Physical therapy
  • Limited sitting or sitting with a cushion

For individuals that have tumors or chronic, persistent pain, your healthcare provider may recommend a surgical procedure called a coccygectomy.

Coccygectomy Surgery

Coccygectomy is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia that removes all or a portion of the coccyx. It is a straightforward, short, outpatient procedure that relieves tailbone discomfort and pain in upwards of 80% of patients.

The surgery involves a small incision made above the coccyx, which is directly under the skin with no impeding muscles or other structures to dissect away. The surgeon then removes the disc between the coccyx and the sacrum. Blood vessels extending from the coccyx are cauterized or “glued.” The ligaments, tendons and muscle attachments are severed and the coccyx is officially removed. The entire procedure takes under an hour.

Coccygectomy Recovery

The coccygectomy recovery process can be very painful and lengthy. The pain caused by the surgery can make sitting uncomfortable; your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help with this discomfort. Recuperation time and relief of pain may take as long as three months to a year depending upon the individual. Due to the coccyx position close to the anus, the risk of infection is high and should be monitored closely. Your surgeon will prescribe antibiotics to help prevent this infection from occurring.

Your healthcare provider will also go over wound care instructions and any activity limitations with you after surgery and in your follow-up appointments.

Request more information about coccygectomy surgery today. Call (201) 806-6099 or contact Dr. M.T. Shahab online.

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Hours and Directions
Medwell Orthopedics & Functional Medicine for Men & Women
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Address

33 Central Ave
Midland Park, NJ 07432
(201) 806-6099
www.BergenCountyDoctors.com

Hours

Mon: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tue: 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wed: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Thu: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Sat: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sun: By Appointment Only

Areas We Service:

Allendale, NJ, Fair Lawn, NJ, Franklin Lakes, NJ, Glen Rock, NJ, Hackensack, NJ, Ho Ho Kus, NJ, Paramus, NJ, Ramsey, NJ, Ridgewood, NJ, Saddle River, NJ, Waldwick, NJ, Wyckoff, NJ, Hawthorne, NJ, Paterson, NJ