Os Conundrum: Identifying Symptomatic Sesamoids and Accessory Ossicles of the Foot

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2019 Aug;213(2):417-426. doi: 10.2214/AJR.18.20761. Epub 2019 Apr 11.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. Sesamoids and accessory ossicles are frequently encountered normal osseous structures in the foot that may be an uncommon cause of pain. Familiarity with their imaging findings allows the radiologist to provide reassurance in normal cases and increase confidence when making the relatively uncommon diagnosis of a pathologic sesamoid or symptomatic ossicle. CONCLUSION. Image-guided injections targeted to the symptomatic ossicle can confirm the suspected diagnosis and predict therapeutic outcomes before surgical intervention.

Keywords: accessory navicular; foot and ankle; os intermetatarseum; os peroneum; os trigonum; os vesalianum.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anatomic Variation
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Foot Bones / anatomy & histology*
  • Foot Bones / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Pain / etiology*
  • Pain Management / methods*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Sesamoid Bones / anatomy & histology
  • Sesamoid Bones / diagnostic imaging