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Distribution of the Metatarsophalangeal Sesamoids in Turkish Subjects

^* Department of Orthopedics, Pamukkale University School of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey.

Corresponding author: Esat Kiter, MD, Istiklal Mah, 6250 Sok Yeni Bahcelievler Sitesi No:3, D1-1 Kinikli-Denizli, Turkey.

Abstract

No statistically significant pattern of metatarsophalangeal sesamoid distribution has been reported in the literature in relation to genetic pool or group, unilaterality or bilaterality, or sesamoid division. A study was undertaken to evaluate the presence and distribution of the metatarsophalangeal sesamoid bones of the foot in Turkish subjects. A total of 602 foot radiographs from 371 patients without forefoot complaints other than those of the hallux were included in the study. Absence or hypoplasia of the first-ray sesamoids was seen on 0.7% of the radiographs, and second-, third-, fourth-, and fifth-ray sesamoids were present on 2.8%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 15.1% of the radiographs, respectively. Fifth-ray sesamoids were more prevalent in men (odds ratio, 2.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.52–4.84). The frequency of a normal foot profile (two sesamoids in the first ray) was 83.2%. Divisions of the sesamoids were seen on 4.0% of the radiographs at the first ray and on 20.9% at the fifth ray. Distribution and division of sesamoids were predominantly bilateral ( = 0.91, 0.91, and 0.95 for the first, second, and fifth digits, respectively; P < .001). (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 96(5): 437–441, 2006)