SURGERY OF THE SESAMOID BONES OF THE GREAT TOE

Abstract

During the past twenty years there have appeared in the literature numerous papers relating to the sesamoid bones of the great toe and their clinical significance. One is impressed, in reading most of these articles, by the uncertainty regarding the embryology, anatomy and function of these small structures, and by the number of disputed points relative to their surgical pathology and treatment. In view of this uncertainty, and because no thorough survey of the literature has appeared, we report this study made in connection with the follow-up investigation of our own cases. Our plan is to review the literature, to cite the results of our own anatomic and pathologic studies and finally to report a series of cases in which sesamoidectomy was performed for the relief of pain. <h3>HISTORICAL SUMMARY</h3> Not always have the sesamoid bones of the great toe played a rôle of such relative insignificance as they play