Coccygodynia.

This usually intractable disorder has not been relieved by any specific measures that have so far been suggested. DeVesian, of Paris, is quoted by The Therapeutic Record as offering a quick and permanent means of bringing about relief from this trouble by the injection of about fifteen minims of alcohol.

A finger is inserted into the rectum and a hypodermic needle is introduced about one inch behind the anus. The fluid is injected in all directions, both in front of and behind the bone, but perpendicular to the bone.

The treatment seems to be heroic and is painful, but in a number of cases in which the author tried it, no inflammatory action took place and only one injection was necessary as the pain did not return.


Ellingwood's Therapeutist, Vol. 2, 1908, was edited by Finley Ellingwood M.D.