The health of a newborn is always a primary concern for parents and caregivers. Anything that goes wrong, however slight, can cause worry or panic, particularly in new parents. Although unusual, a fused coccyx is not always a cause for concern. However, if the tailbone lacks flexibility or is otherwise malformed, it could cause problems later in life.
The Tailbone
The tailbone, technically referred to as the coccyx, is made up of three to five bones, known as the coccygeal vertebrae. It is located at the base of the spine, just below the sacrum, and is attached to the sacrum by a joint that consists of fibrous cartilage, which allows limited movement between the coccyx and sacrum. The coccyx is considered a remnant of evolution, left over from a time when humans had a tail or tail-like structure in their spine. It serves as an attachment for muscles and tendons and plays a small part in maintaining balance when sitting.
Fusion
Although the coccyx consists of several vertebrae, they are usually fused together at some point during your life. In an article published in the 1998 "American Journal of Roentgenology," researchers reported that the vertebrae of the coccyx fuse in an organized pattern from the time you are a fetus until the age of 30. The fusion may not mean that all the parts of the coccyx are joined, however. A study published in the "Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery" in 1983 reported that of 171 adult patients whose coccyges were examined, 90 percent of them had a segmented coccyx — usually in segments of two or three vertebrae — which meant the coccyx does have some flexibility and is not completely rigid, even in adulthood.
Coccydynia
A possible complication of a fused tailbone is coccydinia, which is pain in or around the area of the coccyx. If the newborn's coccyx is completely fused, it could make it rigid, causing complications, although those complications might not be evident until later in life. Symptoms of coccydynia can include immediate and severe pain when standing from a sitting position, pain during intercourse or during bowel movements, and a deep ache in the area of the coccyx.
Considerations
Not every person who has a fused coccyx develops complications, and it can be difficult to discern symptoms in a newborn. The recommended course of action is to keep track of the situation and look for any problems during growth that indicate the child is having symptoms of coccydinia. Treatment usually consists of physical therapy, medicines to reduce inflammation and the use of therapeutic cushions. Only in extreme cases is surgery required.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)
- The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery: Idiopathic Coccygodynia — Analysis of Fifty-one Operative Cases and a Radiographic Study of the Normal Coccyx
- Massage Today: Coccyx Controversy
- American Journal of Roentgenology: Postnatal Maturation of the Sacrum and Coccyx: Mr Imaging, Helical Ct, and Conventional Radiography
