Coccyx x-ray is a method of radiation diagnostics of the lower spine. It is prescribed for suspected fractures of the coccygeal vertebrae, may be required in the case of proctalgia, coccygodynia and pelvic pain of unclear genesis. The standard study is performed in two projections (straight and lateral). In order to take a direct picture of the coccyx, the patient is placed on his back with his legs straightened. A lateral coccyx x-ray is performed in the position of the patient on his side, legs bent at the knee and hip joints. A few days before the coccyx x-ray, it is necessary to exclude from the diet foods that increase gas formation in the intestine.
Indications
Conducting an coccyx x-ray is a prerequisite for diagnosing the causes of painful sensations and other symptoms that the patient notes. With the help of palpation and questioning, it is impossible to diagnose and prescribe treatment. X-rays are mandatory in such situations:
- a person cannot bend or fully straighten his back;
- there was a strong aching pain at the bottom of the lower back;
- there were problems with urination;
- the muscles of the lower back are constantly tense;
- the patient notes the spontaneous occurrence of “lumbago” in the spine;
- long sitting causes severe discomfort to the patient or it is impossible.
Preparation for an coccyx x-ray may also be necessary if pain in the pelvic organs appeared after the injury. This is due to the fact that the nerve endings of the coccyx are connected to these organs.
What will show
It is important to find out what the coccyx x-ray shows and what problems doctors will be able to diagnose based on the results of its conduct. The image will show the vertebrae and their spinous processes. By carefully examining the images, the doctor will be able to identify:
- fractures, bone integrity disorders, dislocations;
- mismatch of the articular surfaces of the coccygeal joint, complicated by dislocation;
- the presence of osteochondrosis;
- tumor processes and metastases in the coccyx;
- deformities of the coccyx-sacral junction;
- osteomyelitis;
- malformations of development.
Preparation
It is important to learn how to prepare for the coccyx x-ray, since compliance with all recommendations will allow you to get the highest quality image. A few days before the procedure, it is necessary to exclude any gas-forming products from the diet, since the intestinal loops filled with gas pass X-rays worse.
You will also need to make an enema before performing an coccyx x-ray. It is performed twice. The first is on the evening of the day before the diagnosis, the second is a couple of hours before the X-ray. In the event that we are talking about an urgent examination, only an enema is performed to cleanse the intestines before the examination. Also, the examination is performed on an empty stomach, and before it, medications that suppress gas formation may be prescribed.
Methods of conducting
It is important to remove all metal objects and jewelry so that they do not affect the quality of the picture. To start the diagnosis, the patient will be asked to lie down on the table and take a certain position. As a rule, several basic layouts are used:
- direct projection – first you need to bend your legs at the knees and hip joint so that you can take a picture of the sacrum, then straighten your legs to take a picture of the coccyx;
- lateral projection – the patient is lying on his side, hands behind his head, knees slightly bent;
- oblique projection is rarely needed, the doctor selects the pose individually.
After learning how the coccyx X-ray procedure is done, you don’t have to worry that it will cause discomfort and unpleasant sensations. After the diagnosis, the patient will be asked to wait outside the office while the doctor does the transcription.
Interpretation of results
Such work should be performed by a radiologist with the appropriate qualifications. The doctor evaluates the condition of the vertebral bodies, their location, size and many other parameters. The results of the study are reflected in the conclusion that is issued to the patient. With this conclusion, you need to go to the attending physician.