Coccyx MRI

MRI of the coccyx (os coccygis) and surrounding soft tissues. Evaluates coccydynia, fractures, pilonidal disease, and presacral pathology.

The coccyx MRI provides targeted imaging of the coccygeal segments, sacrococcygeal junction, and surrounding soft tissues including the levator ani, external sphincter complex, and presacral space. This examination is primarily requested for coccydynia (tailbone pain) that has not responded to conservative treatment. The protocol includes sagittal and axial T1 and T2-weighted sequences with STIR for bone marrow oedema. The radiologist assesses for coccygeal fractures (often occult on X-ray), coccygeal segment hypermobility or subluxation, bone marrow signal changes suggesting stress reaction, presacral cysts or masses, and pilonidal sinus tracts. The soft tissue coverage also identifies bursitis, muscular inflammation, and perianal pathology that may mimic coccygeal pain. This scan is commonly indicated after trauma to the tailbone, for persistent sitting pain, and when X-rays or clinical examination have not provided a clear diagnosis. The open-bore scanner is advantageous here, as patients with coccydynia often find lying flat in a conventional closed MRI uncomfortable.