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Novel approach for pericapsular radiofrequency ablation of sacrococcygeal junction for patients with coccydynia
  1. Guy Feigin,
  2. Ning Nan Wang,
  3. Vitaliano Di Grazia and
  4. Philip Peng
  1. Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  1. Correspondence to Dr Philip Peng, Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, M5T 2S8, Canada; philip.peng{at}uhn.ca

Abstract

Introduction Coccydynia is a multifactorial complex clinical challenge. A multimodal approach with both conservative measures and procedural interventions is often recommended. We described a novel approach of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the management of coccydynia.

Methods Three patients with known history of coccydynia refractory to conservative therapy were referred to our clinic. All received different types of RF ablation before: one with anterior bipolar lesion with no analgesia benefit, one with posterior stripped lesion with good benefit but only after 8 weeks of pain flare and one received anterior monopolar lesion with 50% pain reduction for 2–3 months. All subjects underwent a novel RF ablation to the anterior surface of the sacrococcygeal and intercoccygeal joints with two bipolar lesions using multi-tined needles under fluoroscopy guidance. One bipolar lesion was between two needles: one in the sacrococcygeal and another in the intercoccygeal (between first and second coccyx) joints. Another bipolar lesion was between needles on both side of the sacrococcygeal joint.

Results All experienced at least 65% pain relief for 6 months. The sitting endurance increased from less than 5 min to an average of 70 min. No adverse effect was observed in two and in the patient who used to have pain flare after lesioning, the pain flare lasted only for 2 weeks.

Discussion The configuration of the two bipolar lesions with multi-tined needles in this case series stimulates the thinking of new approach for the ablation technique for pain from coccyx. Further prospective large case cohort study is needed.

  • pain management
  • chronic pain
  • nerve block
  • diagnostic techniques and procedures
  • back pain

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Footnotes

  • Contributors PP has made substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work. GF and VDG contributed to acquisition, analysis or interpretation of data for the work. GF and NNW contributed in the drafting, revision and correction of the article. PP approved the final version of the article to be published. All authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

  • Funding Internal funding from Departments of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University Health Network—Toronto Western Hospital.

  • Competing interests PP received equipment support from Sonosite Fujifilm Canada.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.