Medical Terminology for Coccyx Wounds
A wound on the coccyx is most commonly called a sacral pressure ulcer, pressure injury, or decubitus ulcer when caused by prolonged pressure, or a pilonidal sinus/cyst when it involves a specific type of infected tract in the sacrococcygeal region.
Specific Terminology Based on Wound Type
Pressure-Related Wounds
- Sacral pressure ulcer or sacral pressure injury is the standard medical term for wounds over the coccyx and sacrum caused by prolonged pressure, particularly in immobilized or bedridden patients 1
- These wounds are classified by depth and tissue involvement, ranging from superficial skin changes to deep tissue destruction involving bone 1
Pilonidal Disease
- Pilonidal sinus or pilonidal cyst refers to a specific condition involving an infected tract or cavity in the sacrococcygeal region, typically occurring in the natal cleft near the coccyx 2
- This condition commonly affects healthy young adults and creates sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus wounds that can be large and open, particularly after surgical treatment 2
- The term "pilonidal" literally means "nest of hair," reflecting the characteristic finding of hair within these lesions 2
Traumatic Wounds
- Simple traumatic injuries to the coccyx area may be described as coccygeal lacerations, sacrococcygeal wounds, or perineal wounds depending on the exact location and extent 1
- Post-surgical wounds in this region following coccygectomy are termed coccygectomy wounds 3
Anatomical Context
The coccyx is located in the posterior perineum, extending from the pubic arch to the coccyx itself, specifically in the posterior anal triangle 1. This anatomical location means wounds here may also be described as:
- Posterior perineal wounds when involving the broader perineal region 1
- Sacrococcygeal wounds when involving both sacrum and coccyx 2
Clinical Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse a coccygeal dimple (an innocent congenital finding at or below the gluteal cleft) with pathologic wounds 1. Coccygeal dimples are normal variants found in approximately 4% of the population, located within a centimeter of the coccyx within the gluteal cleft, and require no treatment 1.