MRI of the tailbone (the coccyx) is indicated for pain in the gluteal cleft (between bottom cheeks). The pain is typically sharp and makes sitting difficult.
The cause for pain in this region can be an infection in the skin and soft tissue such as a pilonidal cyst or injury to the tailbone itself. The tailbone can break in a fall where you land on your bottom or during childbirth, and the segments that make up the tailbone can get dislocated.
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye