Outcomes of Coccygectomy Using the “Z” Plasty Technique of Wound Closure

Abstract

Study Design: Technical note. Objectives: Coccygectomy for chronic coccydynia has a high rate of successful clinical outcome. However, the procedure is associated with increased incidence of wound dehiscence and surgical site infection. The main objective was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of coccygectomy using the Z plasty technique of wound closure. Methods: Patients with chronic coccydynia refractory to conservative treatment underwent coccygectomy followed by Z plasty technique of wound closure between January 2013 and February 2018. Primary outcome measure was evaluation of the wound healing in the postoperative period and at follow-up; secondary outcome measure included visual analogue scale (VAS) score for coccygeal pain. Results: Ten patients (male:female 6:4) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 40.78 years (range 19-55 years). The mean follow-up was 1.75 years (range 6 months to 5 years). All wounds healed well with no incidence of wound dehiscence or surgical site infections. The mean VAS improved from 7.33 ± 0.5 to 2.11 ± 1.2 ( P < .05). Nine patients reported excellent outcomes and 1 patient reported poor outcome with regards to relief from coccydynia. Conclusion: Z plasty technique of wound closure is recommended as procedure of choice to avoid wound healing problems and surgical site infections associated with coccygectomy. Coccygectomy remains a successful treatment modality for chronic coccydynia.