Sesamoids and Accessory Bones of the Forefoot in Normal Korean Adults

Rowe, Sung Man; Lee, Keun Bae; Park, Yu Bok; Bae, Bong Hyun; Kang, Kyung Do

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the locations and incidences of sesamoids and accessory bones of the forefoot in normal Korean adults.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The plain radiographs of the forefoot of 400 volunteers, 200 males and 200 females, were taken. The three orthopedic surgeons participated in the radiographic evaluation independently. Persons who had history of foot problem or injury were excluded.
RESULTS
Sesamoids of first metatarsophalangeal joint were nearly always present; medial 99% and lateral 100%. The bipartite sesamoid was more common in medial (9.8%) and in female (17.0%) than in lateral (0.3%) and in male (2.5%). Sesamoids of the interphalangeal joint of the first toe were seen in 35.8%. Sesamoids of metatarsophalangeal joints in other four toes were rarely observed. Their incidences were 5% in second toe, 0.8% in third, 0% in fourth, and 2.8% (lateral) and 7.5% (medial) in fifth. Sesamoids of interphalangeal joint in four lesser toes were not observed except two cases (0.5%) in the fifth toe. Accessory bone was very rarely observed. Os vesalianum was observed in five feet (1.3%), Os intermetatarseum in 14 feet (3.5%), and Os cuneo-metatarsal I tibiale in none.
CONCLUSION
We determined the location and incidences of sesamoids and accessory bones of the forefoot, and we expected this to help to diagnose the forefoot problem.