Targeting dual pathways in refractory coccydynia: A comparative study of ganglion impar block alone versus combined with pericoccygeal injection.

OBJECTIVES

Coccydynia is a complex and often refractory pain condition involving both sympathetic and somatic components. While ganglion impar block (GIB) is a well-established interventional technique for cases unresponsive to conservative treatment, pericoccygeal injection may offer additional benefits by targeting peripheral sensitization and anococcygeal nerve-mediated pain. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of GIB alone versus GIB combined with pericoccygeal injection in patients with refractory coccydynia.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 60 patients aged 18-65 years treated at a tertiary pain clinic between June 2022 and June 2024. Patients received either GIB alone or GIB combined with pericoccygeal injection in a single session under fluoroscopic guidance. Pain severity and functional outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Paris Functional Coccydynia Impact Questionnaire (PFCIQ) before the procedure and at 1 and 3 months post-intervention.

RESULTS

Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in NRS-11, ODI, and PFCIQ scores at 1 and 3 months compared to baseline (p<0.001). The combination therapy group showed significantly greater reductions in NRS-11 and ODI scores at 1 month (p=0.043 and p=0.036, respectively), and in ODI scores at 3 months (p=0.04). Analgesic use declined prominently in both groups, and no major complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

A single-session combination of GIB and pericoccygeal injection appears to offer superior short-term pain relief and func-tional improvement compared to GIB alone in refractory coccydynia. Further prospective studies are needed.