Painful Os Intermetatarseum

Abstract

Accessory ossicles are usually benign radiographic findings. However, they may become clinically significant if they fracture or cause soft-tissue irritation. An os intermetatarseum is an uncommon ossicle found between the bases of the first and second metatarsals. This article reviews some of the theories relating to the development of this uncommon ossicle and describes its role as a possible etiology of metatarsus primus varus. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 100(3): 213–215, 2010)