Sesamoids of the Feet: a Cadaveric Study on the Incidence and Morphology in South Indian Population

Address for Correspondence: Dr. Vijaianand M, Assistant Professor of Anatomy, KFMSR, Coimbatore, 7, Tarun kudil, IK garden, Gokul Nagar Annexe, Chinnathirupathi, Salem-636008, Tamil Nadu, India. Mobile: (0) 9655246467 E-Mail: [email protected] Background: Sesamoid bones are tiny seed like bones embedded in the tendons or joint capsule. They prevent friction and protect the tendons from direct injuries. The largest sesamoid bone, the patella is given much importance when compared to the sesamoids of the feet. The sesamoids of the feet are classified into-hallucal sesamoids, lesser toe sesamoids of the metatarsophalangeal joints of 2nd through 5th toe and lesser toe sesamoids of the interphalangeal joints of 2nd through 5th toe. The sesamoids show bipartism which can often be mistaken for fractures in radiographs. The incidence and morphology of the sesamoid bones in South Indian population is hitherto unreported. The present study aims to assess the incidence of sesamoid bone and their morphological features in South Indian population by dissection method. Materials and Methods: 46 lower limbs were utilized for the present study. Of which 23 belonged to right and 23 belonged to left. By standard dissection methods the sesamoids of the feet were exposed. Their occurrence, shape, partition, fragmentation and size were macroscopically noted. Results: The incidence of hallucal sesamoids was 100%. Bipartism in hallucal sesamoids was noted to be 4.3%. Hallucal sesamoids of the interphalangeal joint was 15.2 %. Sesamoid of the fifth toe (metatarsophalangeal) was 6.5%. The average diameter of the hallucal sesamoids, interphalangeal sesamoid of the hallux, metatarsophalangeal sesamoid of the 5th toe was 9mm, 5mm and 2mm respectively. All the sesamoids were semioval in shape Conclusion: The importance of sesamoid in clinical practice is often under estimated. Bipartite sesamoids are often mistaken for fractures. Chronic sesamoiditis and osteonecrosis are common differential diagnoses in chronic foot pain involving the ball of the toes. The present study discusses the clinical importance, incidence and morphology of the sesamoids of the feet. KEY WORD: Sesamoids, Hallucal, Metatarsophalangeal, Fractures, Osteonecrosis. INTRODUCTION International Journal of Anatomy and Research, Int J Anat Res 2016, Vol 4(4):3092-96. ISSN 2321-4287 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijar.2016.410 Access this Article online Quick Response code Web site: International Journal of Anatomy and Research ISSN 2321-4287 www.ijmhr.org/ijar.htm DOI: 10.16965/ijar.2016.410 *1 Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Karpagam Faculty Of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, India. 2 Professor, Department of Anatomy, Karpagam Faculty Of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, India Received: 22 Sep 2016 Peer Review: 22 Sep 2016 Revised: None Accepted: 31 Oct 2016 Published (O): 30 Nov 2016 Published (P): 30 Nov 2016 account on the ‘Osteology for the beginners’[1].The word sesamoid derives it root from ‘Semsem’ in Arabic language which means sesame seed. Ancient Hebrews believed that The tiny seed like bones present in the limbs were termed as ‘Sesamoid bones’ by Galen. He has described these bones in detail in his