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Spinal Cord and Reflexes
Published in Nassir H. Sabah, Neuromuscular Fundamentals, 2020
In humans, the vertebral column normally consists of 33 vertebrae divided into five subdivisions (Figure 11.1), based on some distinguishing characteristics of the vertebrae in each subdivision. The five subdivisions are, rostrally to caudally: Cervical, or neck, region comprising 7 vertebrae, denoted as C1 to C7. The C1 vertebra supports the skull, and the C2 vertebra serves as a pivot for C1.Thoracic, or chest, region comprising 12 vertebrae, denoted as T1 to T12. These vertebrae support the 12 pairs of ribs, which are joined ventrally at the sternum, or breastbone.Lumbar, or lower back, region comprising 5 vertebrae, denoted as L1 to L5.Sacral, or thigh, region comprising 5 fused vertebrae (the sacrum) having a roughly triangular shape. The sacrum articulates laterally with the hip bones. The vertebrae in this region are denoted as S1 to S5.Coccyx, or tailbone, region comprising 4 fused, rudimentary vertebrae.
Other Support Surfaces
Published in J G Webster, Prevention of Pressure Sores, 2019
Method (3) of Section 6.1 suggests that the center of gravity of the torso should be anterior rather than over or posterior to the ischial tuberosities when sitting. The posterior position makes the coccyx become weight bearing. Another reason for anterior posture is based on the study of Reswick and Rogers (1976) which indicates that the outer regions of the buttocks can sustain greater loads than the ischial tuberosities. In addition, the line of gravity should fall in the center of the buttocks (Moe et al 1978). Therefore, correct seating is a symmetrical upright sitting posture characterized by a forward-rotated pelvis and a lordosis lumbar spine (Akerblom 1948, Zacharkow 1984, Settle 1987) as shown in figure 6.3.
Injuries of the pelvis
Published in Ashley W. Blom, David Warwick, Michael R. Whitehouse, Apley and Solomon’s System of Orthopaedics and Trauma, 2017
Persistent pain, especially on sitting, is common after coccygeal injuries. If the pain is not relieved by the use of a cushion or by the injection of local anaesthetic into the tender area, excision of the coccyx may be considered.
Influence of psychiatric disorders and chronic pain on the surgical outcome in the patient with chronic coccydynia: a single institution’s experience
Published in Neurological Research, 2020
Kristopher A. Lyon, Jason H. Huang, David Garrett
Immediately below the sacrum, the coccyx is found, composed of three to five vertebrae, which in the adult, are typically fused with the exception of the first coccygeal segment [3]. In addition to the first intercoccygeal joint, the cartilaginous sacrococcygeal joint provides a point of articulation of the coccygeal vertebrae that allows for flexion of the coccyx when sitting [4]. A forward flexion of 5–25 degrees at this joint is considered normal in most patients [5]. Many muscles have a point of attachment on the coccyx including the gluteus maximus, coccygeus, sphincter ani externus, and the levator ani muscle group [6]. Spasm of these muscles, specifically the coccygeus and levator ani muscle group, have been posited as a mechanism for pain to arise from this region [7].
Findings in ancient Egyptian mummies from tomb KV64, Valley of the Kings, Luxor, with evidence of a rheumatic disease
Published in Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 2023
LM Öhrström, R Seiler, S Bickel, F Rühli
The pelvis appears to be intact and no fractures are observed. While the left hip joint is preserved, the right femur is missing. The left femoral neck, however, appears shortened and somehow malpositioned on the anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, probably due to a post-mortem, slightly impacted fracture. The sacroiliac joints (SIJs) show slight sclerosis on both sides, whereas no significant erosive changes are observed. The pubic symphysis does not show any pathological changes. Presumably, a small bone fragment is (post-mortem) missing from the anterior portion of the proximal coccyx.