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

Coccyx injury

Actual fractures of the tailbone (coccyx) are not common. Tailbone trauma usually involves bruising of the bone or pulling of the ligaments.

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

Images

Tailbone (coccyx)

Review Date: 07/30/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)