Sacral Pain: When to Consult an Orthopedic Specialist

Sacral region pain

Five years ago, I had a lipoma in the sacral region, which was surgically removed and confirmed to be a benign tumor.
However, there is a specific area in the middle to lower part of the wound that occasionally hurts and sometimes feels warm and painful.
This discomfort tends to flare up when I strain my body, but during other times, it feels deflated like a balloon, without heat or pain.
Should I go back to see a surgeon?

A Jie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/18

Dr. Lü Mingchuan reply Plastic Surgery

You can return to the surgical consultation for evaluation at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, which cares about you.

Reply Date: 2023/12/18

More Info

When it comes to sacral pain, especially following a history of surgery for a lipoma, it is essential to approach the situation with a comprehensive understanding of potential underlying issues. Given your description, it seems that you are experiencing intermittent pain and localized warmth in the area where the lipoma was removed. This could be indicative of several conditions that warrant further evaluation by a medical professional.

First, it is important to consider the possibility of scar tissue formation or adhesions following your surgery. Scar tissue can develop as part of the healing process and may lead to discomfort or pain, particularly if it is pressing on nearby nerves or structures. Additionally, if there was any residual tissue or if the surgical site has not healed properly, this could also contribute to your symptoms.

The intermittent nature of your pain, along with episodes of warmth, raises the question of whether there might be an inflammatory process at play. Inflammation can occur for various reasons, including infection, irritation from surrounding tissues, or even a reaction to the surgical materials used during your procedure. While it is less common for infections to occur years after surgery, it is not impossible, especially if there are any underlying health issues that might predispose you to infections.

Given that you mentioned the pain intensifies during physical activities or when you twist your body, this could suggest that the pain is mechanical in nature. It may be related to the musculoskeletal structures in the sacral area, including muscles, ligaments, or the sacroiliac joint. Conditions such as sacroiliitis or muscle strain could be exacerbated by certain movements or positions.

In terms of whether you should return to see a surgeon or consult an orthopedic specialist, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation. An orthopedic specialist can conduct a thorough physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to assess the area for any abnormalities, including scar tissue, inflammation, or other potential causes of your pain.

Additionally, if you have not already done so, consider discussing your symptoms with your primary care physician. They can help coordinate your care and determine if a referral to a specialist is necessary. It is essential to communicate all your symptoms clearly, including the nature of the pain, any associated symptoms (like warmth), and how it affects your daily activities.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to the surgical site and could involve scar tissue or mechanical issues, it is crucial to have a professional evaluation to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Consulting an orthopedic specialist would be a wise step to ensure that you receive appropriate care and management for your sacral pain.

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