Hypermobility of the coccyx -1 Jean-Yves Maigne, MD
Mise en ligne : Novembre 2003 Dernière modification : 09.04.04
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Hypermobility of the coccyx is sometimes an easy diagnosis based on the sole radiogram, when the mobility exceeds clearly 30° in flexion (mobility in hyperextension is very rare, as we will see in another section), sometimes a more difficult one when borderline figures are encountered (between 25 and 30° for instance). In these latter cases, two other radiologic signs can help: a narrowing of the anterior aspect of the joint with a contact (friction) of the bone surfaces in the sitting position, and a misalignment of the two involved bones appearing in the same (sitting) position. These abnormalities (as compared to a control group) are significant only if the joint is tender at palpation (the involved joint, and not the joint above or below), and if the injection of either lidocaine or steroid is successful (at least 2 months for this latter). This means that the clinical examination has sometimes to be done under fluoroscopic control.

Case #1. This is a typical hypermobility. The affected joint is the lower one (arrow), with a flexion of 35°.There is a narrowing of the anterior aspect of the joint, but without friction of the two bones. Tiny calcifications can be observed, without specific value. The other joints are not mobile.

Case #2. Another case with typical hypermobility of the first mobile joint, with 60° of flexion. In the sitting position, there is a friction between the two bones, which is a supplementary source of pain.

Case #3. A third case. Note that there is no mobility in the sacro-coccygeal joint. This joint is in no way a source of pain (and is not tender at palpation, and an injection of steroid at this level would bring no relief), despite the presence of osteophytes.

Case #4. No problem here, with a clear diagnosis: flexion>30°, contact and densification of the bones. To ensure the responsability of this abnormality of motion, the joint has to be tender at palpation, and the injection to be successful at last 2 or 3 months.

Case #5. The mobility is here around 30°. Therre is a narrowing of the joint space at its anterior aspect (X), but without friction. Note the irregular aspect of the sacrococcygeal joint, but without any motion, thus not a painful abnormality.

Case #6. This case is borderline. The mobility is just exceeding 25°, but the first mobile bone is eroded at its anterior part by the tip of the sacrum (X). Furthermore, the joint space was tender at palpation under fluoroscopic control, and the steroid injection was succesful, establishing the responsability of the joint.

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