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Tailbone (coccyx)
Tailbone (coccyx)
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Tailbone trauma

Definition:
Tailbone trauma is an injury to the small bone at the lower tip of the spine.

Alternative Names:
Coccyx injury

Considerations:

Actual fractures of the tailbone (coccyx) are infrequent. Tailbone trauma usually involves bruising of the bone or pulling of the ligaments.



Causes:

Backward falls onto a hard surface, such as a slippery floor or ice, are the most common cause of this injury.



Review Date: 10/30/2002
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous review: Kevin B. Freedman, M.D., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush-Presbyterian Medical Center, Chicago, IL.Review provided by VeriMed Health Network. (5/25/2001)

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