Morphometric Features of Sesamoid Bones in Foot Examined Using Computed Tomography
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58600/eurjther3083Keywords:
computed tomography, foot, morphometry, sesamoid bonesAbstract
Objective: Sesamoid bones are structures embedded in a tendon that reduce friction and provide mechanical advantages to joints. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency and morphometric characteristics (surface area, long diameter, short diameter) of sesamoid bones in the foot using computed tomography (CT) and to investigate the effects of gender, side, and age factors.
Methods: Foot CT images (187 right, 213 left) of 400 individuals (239 males and 161 females) aged 18-86 years who underwent foot CT scans for various reasons were retrospectively reviewed. In axial sections, the surface area, long and short diameter of the sesamoids on the plantar surface of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP I) joint of the hallux were measured, while the presence of sesamoids in the other MTP and interphalangeal (IP) joints was recorded.
Results: Hallux sesamoids were found to be bilateral (medial and lateral) in all cases (100%), while the bipartite rate was determined to be 7%. The frequency of other sesamoids was found to be; MTP II 2.75%, MTP III 0.5%, MTP IV 1.5%, MTP V 9.75%, and Hallux IP 22.50%. All morphometric lengths of hallux sesamoids were found to be larger in males than in females (p<0.05). Hallux sesamoids were larger in individuals aged 60 years and older compared to those aged 18-29 years (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Morphometric lengths of sesamoid bones were determined, proving that they may be larger in males and with increasing age. This age-related increase brings to mind periarticular osteophytic formations secondary to chronic mechanical stress. The data obtained provide an objective anatomical reference in the differential diagnosis of sesamoid pathologies and in planning forefoot surgeries such as hallux valgus.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Tuğce Uğur Kasar, Zeliha Fazlıoğulları, Mehmet Sedat Durmaz, Hamza Kasar, Ahmet Kağan Karabulut, Nadire Ünver Doğan
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