Does Sacrococcygeal Skeletal Morphology and Morphometry... : Advances in Skin & Wound Care
- Updated on: 2024-03-19
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Despite decades of patient care advances, pressure injuries (PIs) remain a pathophysiologic and management concern. It has been estimated that the US spends approximately $28 billion a year on facility-acquired PIs. Facility-acquired PI occurrence is associated with possible reimbursement penalties, legal ramifications, iatrogenic complications, and poor quality of life and patient outcomes including premature death.
Pressure is the single most important etiologic factor causing PIs but is compounded by the complexity of multiple contributory modifiable and nonmodifiable intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. The possible relationships between PI occurrence and these risk factors are a relatively new field of research and require more examination. One intrinsic risk factor that has been discussed and studied is skeletal morphology. Skeletal shapes created by the morphology of the sacrum, coccyx, ischial tuberosities, and heels can contribute to pressure-related issues. Pressure from extrinsic mechanical loads damages the underlying tissue, vessels, and bony structures. This point is illustrated with tissue or bony deformation that can occur when a patient is seated or supine. Further, the complexity of the situation can increase based on individual characteristics.
The literature regarding skeletal morphology largely discusses the effects of the seated position, as seen in plegia (quadriplegia, paraplegia) or other conditions requiring wheelchair use. However, patient conditions and positions create different displacements and stressors on the tissues and skeletal structures involved. The seated position can affect the ischial tuberosities, whereas supine positions can affect the sacrococcygeal region. The added effect of conditions such as plegia, immobility, or higher body mass index (BMI) can cause pathoanatomic changes, such as different tissue and fat distribution. These factors all add to the complexity of PI occurrence in a specific anatomical site.
This research departs from the majority of previous skeletal morphology works in that it specifically focuses on the skeletal sacrococcygeal influences on PI occurrence in the supine position. The objectives of this work were to investigate the sacrococcygeal skeletal structure as a possible nonmodifiable intrinsic risk factor and identify possible issues caused by its morphology. Sacrococcygeal skeletal structure is defined at birth and undergoes various changes through a person’s life based on growth and development, trauma, and the aging process. Most PIs occur in the sacrococcygeal anatomic region, but as a risk factor, the sacrococcygeal skeletal structure in the supine position has been addressed in a limited capacity.
The sacrum is uniquely shaped and articulates with the lumbar spine, pelvis, and coccyx; it serves as a load-bearing keystone. The lumbosacral junction, where the lumbar meets the sacrum, is one of the most variable areas including sacral fusion patterns. The lumbosacral angle (sacro-horizontal angle, sacral angle, sacral lumbosacral angle, Ferguson’s angle) is considered clinically important in diagnosing conditions and is an area where injuries frequently occur. Sacral curvature is another anatomical parameter that gives the human pelvis its unique shape. An erect posture makes the sacrum horizontal and influences it posteriorly. A supine posture exerts pressure on the lower sacrum and coccyx and influences it in a ventral direction.
The coccyx, often viewed as a vestigial, rudimentary, and “irrelevant” structure, is known for its variable morphological nature and its triangular bone that diminishes in size. One of its important functions is to serve as an attachment point for the muscles and ligaments that build the perineum. The number of segments can vary, but the coccyx usually consists of three to five vertebrae, with four vertebrae segments presenting in approximately 70% to 80% of the population. The coccyx’s first segment is the largest with transverse processes. It curves in an anterior and inferior manner in most adults and may fuse with the sacrum in later life. Unlike the sacral area, coccygeal movement occurs with change in posture affecting the sacrococcygeal angle and other parameters. There are six coccyx types, with types I and II tending to be most common. Type I is the straightest coccyx type; type II coccyx or greater may be more predisposed to certain conditions.
Morphology and morphometry of the sacrococcygeal region, including coccyx types, may be linked to various conditions. Morphology and morphometry studies have not been linked to PIs, yet the sacrococcygeal area is the most common PI site. The exact mechanisms for internal loading and subsequent physiologic responses leading to a PI are not well understood; however, current evidence suggests that damage can result directly from deformation or blood flow impairment by tissue deformation under load. The sacrococcygeal area becomes more susceptible to damage because of its unique circulation, lower density of elastic fibers delaying tissue recovery, adiposity, patient factors, and extended recumbent or sitting positions. The loading that occurs especially on the adipose tissue and how it becomes dispersed are influenced by a patient’s position and the tissue strain that is caused. Of note, while in bed (supine), it is considered best practice to elevate the head of the bed no more than 30° to avoid increased pressure on the sacrococcygeal area.
The paucity of research led the authors to ask the question: “Do skeletal sacrococcygeal morphology and morphometry influence PI occurrence in the supine position?” This question is illustrated in Figure 1, which shows MRI scans of two women in the supine position with a simulation of a 30° head-of-bed elevation. Participant A presents with a type I coccyx and a lumbosacral angle of 45°, whereas participant B presents with a type III coccyx and lumbosacral angle of 58°. A clear difference exists between the individuals with respect to tissue loading. The coccyx of participant B protrudes into the adipose tissue and is driven more superficially with respect to the skin. An inference can be made that this position induces increased tissue strain in participant B compared with participant A. Figure 1 illustrates the value of research studying sacrococcygeal morphology and morphometry differences, as well as indicating differences in tissue strains and therefore PI risk.
Understanding the possible injury mechanisms due to forces from overlying skeletal sacrococcygeal structures and other contributing characteristics is important because it can inform prevention strategies. In addition, it can inform the design of pressure redistribution products (eg, support surfaces) that work to mitigate extrinsic factors and protect this region from PI occurrence. In this article, the authors report research findings that explored sacrococcygeal morphology and morphometry as possible PI intrinsic risk factors. Because these factors have not been studied previously, the authors also present hypotheses and methodological considerations for future research.
The design was a retrospective, case-control study conducted at an urban, tertiary medical center located in New York City. This research received expedited (category 5) approval from the institutional review board.
The first aim of this study was to assess sacrococcygeal morphology and morphometry in patients with and without full-thickness PIs, hypothesizing that there would be a difference between these groups. The rationale was that because gravitational forces on tissues are imparted through the bony skeleton, by extension, the morphology of skeletal structures may impact the direction and magnitudes of normal and shear forces. The second aim was to determine the precise anatomical locations of full-thickness sacrococcygeal PIs. Investigators hypothesized that full-thickness PIs more commonly occur over the distal sacrococcygeal region. The rationale was that the relative anatomical location of PIs overlying the sacrum and coccyx will help improve understanding of possible mechanisms of injury due to forces from overlying skeletal structures. The third aim was to identify hypotheses and methodological considerations when using radiographic images to study anatomy in persons with and without PIs for future studies.
Inclusion criteria for cases and control participants were patients older than 18 years (skeletal maturity reached) with a supine MRI of the sacrococcygeal region. For cases only, patients had a full-thickness PI as defined by the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel’s staging definitions (stage 3, stage 4, and unstageable). Exclusion criteria included patients with known pathologies such as large masses (malignancy), pelvic disease, and pelvic surgery, including extensive reconstructive efforts. Patients with disabilities causing poorly formed skeletal morphology (spina bifida, spinal cord injury) were excluded because “sitting-related” PIs can develop from equipment used (eg, toilets, beds, cars, bathtubs) because of their disability.
Using the medical center’s electronic medical record, cases (with PIs) and control participants (without PIs) were selected using a series of International Classification of Diseases (ICD) ninth and tenth revision codes to determine if a patient had an MRI (supine position) in the sacrococcygeal region (eg, pelvic, sacrum) between 2013 and 2019.
The sample size was 5,400 patient encounters in which 401 were cases and 4,999 were control participants. The intent was to randomly select 15 cases and 15 control participants to achieve an adequate sample size of 30. For this type of analysis, a sample size can successfully be as low as 12 participants per group, but the investigators decided to use 15 per group for a total of 30. The aim was not to perform statistical testing of these data but simply to derive descriptive information that can be used in the development of larger studies. A power analysis was not appropriate in the absence of statistical comparison of the two groups.
As seen in Figure 2, various issues arose in the ability to randomly select cases, but a sample size of 15 was achieved by purposive selection. Random selection of control participants was more successful.
Sacrococcygeal morphology and morphometry measurements were collected as defined in Table 1 and exemplified in Figure 3. Sacral measurements were included because the sacrum orients the coccyx; therefore, lumbar-sacral angle and sacral curvature may be highly influential in “pointing” the coccyx. The sacral area was also included because the distinction of ulcers over the sacrum versus the coccyx may not be clear as ulcers may cross over regions. With this in mind, vertebral ranges were used to enable multiple locations to be considered. Using a combination of ICD codes and chart information, data were also collected on demographics (age, sex, height, weight, BMI, race/ethnicity, parity data, admitting diagnosis, medical history) and exact location of the PI using a combination of ICD codes, electronic medical record data, and MRI scans.
After receiving mentoring by the academic partner and radiologist on the team, an attempt was made to conduct an interrater reliability analysis process. It quickly became apparent that each case had to be reviewed, measured, and verified using the consensus process because nearly half of the patients with PIs had severe bone and/or soft tissue destruction to the sacrococcygeal area (Figure 4). The consensus process was between two team members for verification. Measurements were accomplished using supine MRI scans in the midsagittal plane to the sacrum and coccyx. Sagittal T1 (relaxation times of tissues) displays were used to view osseous structures, which are better for measurement in certain conditions. Various tissue thickness measurements were obtained from the skin (epidermis, dermis), subcutaneous (adipose) tissue, muscle layers, and bone (Table 1).
Data analysis for this study had two goals: (1) perform preliminary tests using the small sample and (2) provide information that can be used to design more complex studies. Because of the sample size, comparisons between groups were made by examining the data rather than by statistical testing. Note that all test results were performed for the sole purpose of providing descriptive information for further studies.
To describe this sample of 30 patients by PI status (15 PI cases, 15 non-PI control participants), patient demographic and patient physical characteristics, including morphology and morphometry, were presented. Means and SDs, along with upper and lower data limits, were used to describe continuous variables by PI status. Proportions accompanied by odds ratios (ORs) or Fisher exact test (coccyx type analysis) described categorical variables. The OR represents the odds that a PI will occur given a particular patient characteristic compared with the odds of a PI occurring without that characteristic. Fisher exact test was used to compare the distribution of patients’ coccyx types between the PI and non-PI groups. It was used in lieu of the χ test because of the data distribution of this small sample.
The odds that a PI will occur was estimated for the following patient characteristics: sex (male vs female), race (White vs non-White), and for all “yes” versus “no” variables. An OR of greater than 1 indicates that the PI is more likely to occur in a patient characteristic; an OR of less than 1 indicates that PI is less likely to occur in a patient characteristic.
To determine if patients with PIs displayed different morphology and morphometry characteristics, patients with and without PIs were compared (Table 2). Tissue destruction precluded obtaining measurement in all tissue thickness categories (Table 2). Of note, although tissue thickness varied widely in both groups, the average tissue thickness was greater in patients with PIs at the three proximal locations: between S (sacrum) 3 to S4, S4 to S5, and S5 to C (coccyx) 1.
All anatomical angles varied widely within groups. On average, patients with PIs had less of a lumbosacral and sacrococcygeal angle and a greater sacral curvature and intercoccygeal angle than patients without PIs. Type I was more prevalent in patients without PIs; patients with PIs had more variable coccyx types including type IV (subluxation). Although there was difficulty capturing all measurements because of PI osseous destruction, the more common missing measurements were distal (C1-C2) and intercoccygeal angles (Table 2).
For patients with PIs, MRI scans were viewed to determine the precise anatomical location of full-thickness PIs. Supporting the hypothesis, with the exception of one PI, all occurred distally and were confined to the coccyx or spanned between the lower sacrum (S4-5) and the lower coccyges.
The findings are discussed by aim. Aims 1 and 2 address morphology and morphometry findings. Aim 3 addresses methodological considerations for future research based on experience gained through conducting this study. Limitations are addressed by aim and discussed accordingly.
Patients with PIs had different morphology and morphometry characteristics demonstrating anatomical variation. Tissue thickness findings appear to describe the presence or lack of adipose tissue distribution required as a protective mechanism over load-bearing areas. In an attempt to determine the rationale for this finding, the researchers reviewed cases and noted that 9 of the 15 patients with PIs had BMIs from 25 to 30 kg/m (overweight) or greater than 30 kg/m (obesity and class 3 obesity according to the CDC). On the contrary, three patients with full-thickness PIs and thinner tissue between C1 and C2 had a BMI of less than 18.5 kg/m (underweight, cachexia).
By segments, the lumbosacral angle was lower, and the sacral curvature was greater; this may be a unique feature for this population. In the lower segments, patients with PIs had less of a sacrococcygeal angle and a greater intercoccygeal angle, which is also found in other conditions such as coccydynia. More specifically, patients with PIs had a greater intercoccygeal angle that may be reflective of coccyx type II or greater and is also observed in other conditions. Patients who gave birth were 3.5 times more likely to develop a PI, a possible risk factor because coccyx shapes may result from childbearing.
The coccyx was indeed harder to measure because individuals have different numbers of segments, and any subluxation complicates intercoccygeal curvature measurements. Some segments of the coccyx were deviated to the right or left, which made the measurements on their midsagittal plane difficult. A possible solution for this situation could be oblique reconstruction along the long axis of the coccyx if it is not in the midline. Another possible solution is to perform these measurements on three-dimensional (3D) volumetric models, which take into account the deviation, subluxation, and so on. Classifying coccyx type is not straightforward. Both the literature and this study illustrate that clear angle thresholds of measurements do not exist (ie, one cannot define a hard threshold value that differentiates a type 1 from a type 2); thus, interrater assessment is needed, which can be guided by, but not solely dependent on, angle measurements.
Tissue destruction precluded measurements in all tissue thickness categories and may not be a useful measurement after a PI has caused extensive destruction. The extent of bone destruction also hampered assessment and measurements—a clinical reality. However, the findings provide insight for how protective equipment and devices may augment PI prevention.
The hypothesis for the second aim was confirmed, and the precise anatomical location determined: sacrococcygeal PIs commonly occurred distally. It is interesting, considering the size or area spanned by some of these PIs. The PIs ranged from the sacrum and extended to the coccyx (eg, S2-C1, S3-C3). Because the location of initial insult cannot be determined, necrosis may have originated in the lower anatomical regions. Not surprising, given that this was a retrospective study, the researchers encountered documentation and coding inaccuracies regarding PI location. The team had the advantage of viewing PIs at the bone level, which can certainly not be accomplished by a clinician who can only view the PI at the skin level or a coder relying on documentation.
The findings of both aims 1 and 2 have implications for PI causation, prevention, clinical monitoring, equipment, and products. Chai and Bader found that existing preventive surfaces did not take into account variability in morphology and other intrinsic factors that increase patients’ PI risk. Pressure injury risk derived from the supine position is due to the strain placed on the skeletal sacrococcygeal region, along with the loading and strain placed on tissues. This can be compounded by skeletal sacrococcygeal morphology.
Understanding the morphology and morphometry of the sacrococcygeal area in individuals with PIs improves our understanding of the possible mechanisms of injury because of forces from overlying skeletal structures, tissue loading, and the relative anatomical locations of ulcers overlying the sacrum and coccyx. The findings of this study begin to provide knowledge that can better inform equipment and products used in PI prevention. An example is the design of support surfaces. Pressure redistribution surfaces help to mitigate deleterious factors for at-risk patients. How they are designed by manufacturers and subsequently used in the clinical area is important for effective PI prevention.
This work provides insight into individual PI risk due to the unique features of skeletal sacrococcygeal morphology. Understanding this individual risk, for example, can help set parameters for devices that provide alerts. Alert systems can be integrated into electronic medical records as an integral part of patient care. They can provide cues to clinicians because of their ability to connect with the patient at the bedside. Individual risk can help determine an alert system’s parameters, such as the patient’s decreased pressure threshold based on their unique skeletal morphology. This, in turn, affects the individual’s required PI prevention strategies such as needing more frequent turning and repositioning. Further, individual risk knowledge due to the skeletal sacrococcygeal morphology can become part of the risk assessment screening process.
Although there are inherent flaws in using a retrospective design and data, it was the most appropriate approach because this concept had never been explored. This observational approach also helped to generate hypotheses and reveal methodological issues to consider when replicating this work.
Although the findings were informative, they may have been diminished for several reasons. The selection process for the cases was intensive and exhaustive. The aim of finding viable PI cases with quality MRI scans proved to be more challenging than initially anticipated. This issue provided insight into the feasibility of achieving adequate sample sizes. The amount of bone destruction clearly hampered measurements in such a small sample. This challenge also did not allow for random selection or an interrater reliability analysis.
The decision to use MRI scans was based on Woon and colleagues, who suggested that an MRI may be a better alternative for determining differences in the bony anatomy of the coccyx for certain conditions compared with a computed tomography (CT) scan. Perhaps it may have been more prudent to use CT scans because CT scans offer superior spatial resolution and the ability to view thin sections and obtain 3D models, which may have improved the researchers’ ability to locate viable cases. In general, the accuracy of angle measurements can be impacted by the quality of images, including slice thickness and spacing, as well as the ability to clearly identify the margins of bony structures within a single slice, especially in the presence of underlying bone destruction. The quality of the images is reliant on various patient factors (eg, motion during scan, BMI, anatomical variations, degree of tissue destruction) versus various technical factors (eg, slice thickness, field of view and image contrast, spatial resolutions, and magnet strength for MRI scanners [1.5 vs 3 T]).
The coccyx was hard to measure because individuals have different numbers of segments, and any subluxation complicates intercoccygeal curvature measurements. Some segments of the coccyx were not on the midsagittal plane (ie, deviated to the right or left), which made the measurements on their midsagittal plane difficult. A possible solution for this situation (using MRI or CAT scans) could be oblique reconstruction along the long axis of the coccyx if it is not in the midline. Another possible solution is to perform these measurements on 3D volumetric models, which take into account the deviation, subluxation, and so on.
Use of existing radiographic images has the benefit of being available for analysis but is encumbered by complications. For example, image quality and variation in slice thicknesses impacted the accuracy of measurements. The alternative of prospectively obtaining images also has complications in drastically increasing cost and time while exposing individuals to diagnostic imaging who might otherwise not have been referred for that procedure.
The sacrococcygeal area is the most common area for PI occurrence, yet morphologic and morphometric parameters had not previously been studied as possible intrinsic risk factors. In this study, key sacrococcygeal parameters were assessed to understand possible injury mechanisms due to forces from overlying skeletal structure. Patients with PIs had different sacrococcygeal morphology and morphometry measurements. It was also noted that these PIs were predominately located distally. Risk factors that contribute to a sacrococcygeal PI warrant further investigation to determine the required strategies and interventions needed to prevent their occurrence.
The implications for future research can best be grouped into three categories: sacrococcygeal measurements that may or may not influence PI formation, actual anatomical location of sacrococcygeal PIs, and methodological considerations. The findings lead to a better understanding of why obtaining measurements was a challenge in light of tissue and bone destruction. It also equates to the fact that severe PIs will undoubtedly require more care, and this care will be at a higher cost. This is important as a means to devise personalized interventions to prevent PI occurrence, inform practice, and improve the development of preventive equipment, products, and technologies.
