The two sesamoid bones of the great toe are embedded in the tendons of the flexor hallucis brevis (medial and lateral sesamoid), lying in grooves on the plantar surface of the first metatarsal head. They protect the FHL tendon and transmit the weight-bearing forces through the first metatarsal head during the toe-off phase. Sesamoiditis, bipartite sesamoid (medial in 20%), and sesamoid stress fractures are the primary pathological entities.
Sesamoiditis (sesamoid inflammation from overload) produces first metatarsal head plantar pain in dancers and runners. Differentiation from sesamoid fracture uses MRI — the bipartite sesamoid has smooth corticated edges (normal variant) while a fracture has irregular margins and bone marrow oedema. Sesamoid excision for chronic non-union or sesamoiditis requires meticulous plantar plate and FHB tendon repair to prevent hallux valgus (medial excision) or varus (lateral excision).
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
