Coccygectomy for refractory coccygodynia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: We sought to systematically assess and summarize the available literature on outcomes following coccygectomy for refractory coccygodynia. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data concerning patient demographics, validated patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for pain relief, disability outcomes, complications, and reoperation rates were extracted and analyzed. Results: A total of 21 studies (18 retrospective and 3 prospective) were included in the quantitative analysis. A total of 826 patients (females = 75%) received coccygectomy (720 total and 106 partial) for refractory coccygodynia. Trauma was reported as the most common etiology of coccygodynia (56%; n = 375), followed by idiopathic causes (33%; n = 221). The pooled mean difference (MD) in pain scores from baseline on a 0–10 scale was 5.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.35 to 6.86) at a 6–12 month follow-up (FU); 5.02 (95% CI: 3.47 to 6.57) at > 12–36 months FU; and 5.41 (95% CI: 4.33 to 6.48) at > 36 months FU. The MCID threshold for pain relief was surpassed at each follow-up. Oswestry Disability Index scores significantly improved postoperatively, with a pooled MD from baseline of − 23.49 (95% CI: − 31.51 to − 15.46), surpassing the MCID threshold. The pooled incidence of complications following coccygectomy was 8% (95% CI: 5% to 12%), the most frequent of which were surgical site infections and wound dehiscence. The pooled incidence of reoperations was 3% (95% CI: 1% to 5%). Conclusion: Coccygectomy represents a viable treatment option in patients with refractory coccygodynia.