Age and Gender Wise Variations of Coccygeal Anatomy – A Cross Sectional Record Based Study in A Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract Background: The coccyx, or tailbone, is the terminal segment of the vertebral column and demonstrates significant anatomical variations. These variations can influence clinical conditions such as coccydynia. They may also be confused with coccygeal fractures. There is sparse normative data on the anatomical variations of coccyx in Indian population. This study is aimed at the evaluation of age and gender-wise anatomical variations of coccygeal anatomy using computed tomography (CT) scans. Objectives: To describe the coccygeal anatomy across different age groups and genders, classify the types of coccyx and determine the number of coccygeal segments in South Indian population. Methods: A cross-sectional, record-based study was conducted over four months (June–September 2024) at the Department of Radiology of our institute. Institutional ethical committee clearance was obtained for the study. A total of 500 CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis (from patients aged 18–85 years) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with coccygeal trauma or neoplastic lesions were excluded. The number and type of coccygeal segments were assessed and categorized. Age and sex wise distribution of the coccygeal types was tabulated. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22 software. Results: Of the 500 patients included, 281 were males (56.2%) and were 219 females (43.8%). The age group ranged between 18-85 years, with a mean age of 45.63 years. Most number of CT studies were found in the age group of 41–50 years. Type II coccyx was the most prevalent morphology (50.2%), followed by Type I (27.4%). Four coccygeal segments were observed in 89.2% of cases. These anatomical configurations were consistent across genders but showed some age-related trends. Conclusion: This study highlights the predominance of Type II coccyx and the four-segment configuration in South Indian population. The findings differ from several international studies which report Type I as the most common. The results underscore the importance of region-specific anatomical reference data for accurate diagnosis and management of coccygeal disorders, particularly coccydynia and coccygeal fractures.