Abstract
THE JOURNAL OF BONE AND JOINT SURGERY pared for an open procedure. Under general anaesthesia and in the knee-elbow position, a central incision was made over the dislocated joint. There was a local haematoma with minor damage to the periosteum. The coccyx was found to be displaced ventrally and 1 cm proximally. Distal traction alone proved ineffective but reduction was achieved using a raspatory as a lever. The sacrum and coccyx were fixed together using four vicryl sutures as tension bands (Fig. 2). Postoperative radiographs confirmed reduction (Fig. 3). The patient was advised not to sit during the first six weeks after surgery, but rehabilitation was uncomplicated and she had no pain. Radiological examination at six weeks and six months after operation showed normal alignment and at two years she had no complaint. Discussion. We have been unable to find any publication of this type of traumatic dislocation. Yamashita (1988) mentioned the condition but his article was not published in English. Fractures are more common, probably because of the normal strength of the ligaments. The need for surgical reduction may be questioned. Excision of the coccyx is performed for coccydynia (Tilscher et al 1986), but the application of the normal principles of trauma surgery led us to reduce the dislocation with success.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.