Hallux sesamoid bones. Anatomical observations with special reference to osteoarthritis and hallux valgus

Summary

The normal characteristics of the hallux sesamoid bones were studied in 200 toes (100 dissections and 100 radiographs from patients with hallux valgus), and pathological changes were recorded. Normally each sesamoid articulated with a separate groove on the plantar surface of the first metatarsal head. A bony ridge on the head separated these grooves.

Bipartite sesamoids were found in 4% of the toes. Osteoarthritic changes manifested by deformity, irregularity, lipping, cysts in the sesamoids and in the heads of the first metatarsal and erosions in the articular surfaces were present in 32% of the dissected toes. Fusion of the sesamoids was found in 6%. Ankylosis between the sesamoids and the head of the metatarsal was observed in 4%.

In the toes affected by hallux valgus the sesamoids, together with the plantar pad and the tendon of the flexor hallucis brevis, were displaced laterally to a variable degree. In severe deformities the lateral sesamoid was dislocated lateral to the first metatarsal head and the medial sesamoid occupied the groove originally corresponding to the lateral sesamoid, while the metatarsal ridge separating the two sesamoids tended to disappear. Osteoarthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint frequently accompanied hallux valgus.