Injuries to the Hallucal Sesamoids in the Athlete

Abstract

The sesamoids of the great toe, which are small and seemingly insignificant bones, can be the site of disabling pathology for the athlete. Sesamoiditis, osteochondritis, partite sesamoids with stress fractures, displaced fractures, and osteomyelitis have all been reported in the athlete. Bursitis beneath the tibial sesmoid and flexor hallucis brevis tendonitis also occur in the athlete and may be confused with sesamoid injury. Excision of the involved bone is the recommended treatment for displaced fractures and for less severe conditions such as sesamoiditis, osteochondritis, and nondisplaced fractures, if conservative management fails to relieve symptoms.