Osteomyelitis in the Sacral and Sacrococcygeal Region

The sacrum sits at the base of the spine, and the coccyx is the small bone at its lower end. Infection may cause deep buttock, lower back, or tailbone pain, tenderness when sitting, fever, or a nearby draining wound. A pressure injury, surgery, an infection in nearby tissue, or spread through the bloodstream can be involved. Examination, blood tests, and imaging help distinguish bone infection from a disc, nerve, joint, or skin problem.

Arrange timely review with a clinician, especially if pain persists without a clear injury or if a wound lies over the sacrum. Treatment may include prescribed antimicrobial medicine, pressure relief, wound care, nutrition support, and treatment of any nearby collection. Change position and use cushions only as advised, because pressure relief must protect the skin without worsening pain. A specialist may recommend drainage or removal of unhealthy tissue when medicine and wound care are not enough.

Seek emergency care for new leg weakness, numbness around the inner thighs or genitals, loss of bladder or bowel control, inability to pass urine, or rapidly worsening back pain. Urgent review is also needed for fever with confusion, shaking chills, faintness, or a wound that suddenly becomes deep, foul-smelling, or widely red.

Which bone and nearby tissues are involved? Does imaging show a collection or pressure injury? What sitting and repositioning limits should I follow? How will nerve function be checked? Who will coordinate wound care and infection treatment?