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Bipartite hallucal sesamoid bones: relationship with hallux valgus and metatarsal index

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Abstract

Objective

The objective was to relate the incidence of the partition of the hallucal sesamoid bones to the size of the first metatarsal and the hallux valgus deformity.

Materials and Methods

In a sample of 474 radiographs, the frequency of appearance of bipartite sesamoids was studied. The length and relative protrusion of the first metatarsal, and the hallux abductus angle, were measured and compared between the feet with and without sesamoid partition.

Results

The results showed that 14.6% of the feet studied had at least one partite sesamoid, that the sesamoid most frequently divided was the medial, and that unilateral partition was the most common. No difference was found in the incidence of partite sesamoids between men and women, or between left and right feet.

Conclusion

Protrusion and length of the first metatarsal are greater in feet with partite sesamoids than in feet without this condition. A significantly higher incidence of bipartite medial sesamoid was obtained in feet with hallux valgus compared with normal feet.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Podiatrics, University of Seville, Seville, Spain

    Pedro V. Munuera & Gabriel Domínguez

  2. Departamento de Podología, Centro Docente de Fisioterapia y Podología, C/ Avicena, s/n. 41009, Seville, Spain

    Pedro V. Munuera, Gabriel Domínguez, María Reina & Piedad Trujillo

Authors
  1. Pedro V. Munuera
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  2. Gabriel Domínguez
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  3. María Reina
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  4. Piedad Trujillo
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Correspondence to Pedro V. Munuera.

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Munuera, P.V., Domínguez, G., Reina, M. et al. Bipartite hallucal sesamoid bones: relationship with hallux valgus and metatarsal index. Skeletal Radiol 36, 1043–1050 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-007-0359-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-007-0359-6

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