Detailed Coccygeal Morphology on Multislice 3d Ct in 1000 Asymptomatic Turkish Adults

Abstract

Aim: The morphology of the coccyx varies. This variety makes it difficult to understand the radiologic pathologies in idiopathic coccydynia. This study aimed to examine the coccyx morphology in Turkish society in order to establish a set of societal reference values. Method: By retrospective analysis of computed tomography scans of one thousand adults, the following were evaluated: number of coccygeal segments, type of coccyxes, sacrococcygeal and intercoccygeal joint fusion, coccygeal spicules, sacrococcygeal straight length, sacrococcygeal and intercoccygeal curvature angles and lateral deviation of the coccyx tip. Results:The most common number of coccygeal segments was determined to be four, and the most common coccyx type was II. Sacrococcygeal fusion was observed in 69.5%, and intercoccygeal fusion in 83.6%. Coccygeal spicule was seen in 3.7% of the cases. The mean sacrococcygeal straight length was 34.3 mm in males and 32.2 mm in females; this length was also significantly higher in the male group (p<0.001). The mean sacrococcygeal curvature angle was 108.8° in females and 112.7° males; this angle was significantly wider in the male group (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study, conducted in asymptomatic Turkish individuals, is the most comprehensive study to date and can be used as a “set of societal reference values” in future studies with symptomatic cases to determine the societal morphology of the coccyx and the etiology of coccydynia.