What Is The Best Treatment For A Prominent Coccyx?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have had issues with my coccyx protruding and being prominent my whole life. This is something that has been a very difficult issue for me to discuss with anyone, but I did discuss it with one of my doctors in the past and she did not seem that concerned about it. It does bother me sitting for long periods of time in chairs with no seat padding or when I am trying certain exercises that cause pressure in that area …I.e. sit-ups. I have researched this issue and have not found a lot of information about this until I came across your website. I would like to know if a dermal graft would be an option for me to alleviate this issue. It has also affected my self-esteem as well because it just doesn’t look normal. I know this was very lengthy, but I will conclude now. I am willing to travel for the chance to feel normal in that area and not have any pain. Thank you.

A: When it comes to the treatment of coccydynia, the key question is whether this is primarily due to a prominent coccygeal bony protrusion, a lack of subcutaneous fat cover/thickness (usually due to aging) or a combination of both. In my experience some bony reduction of the coccygeal bone is needed combined with a dermal-fat graft overlay/interface. In other cases a total coccygectomy is needed. A dermal-fat graft rarely is ideal by itself.

I can not speak on an informed basis about your coccygeal anatomy and needs without seeing pictures of it.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana