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World J Orthop. Apr 18, 2014; 5(2): 146-150
Published online Apr 18, 2014. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v5.i2.146
Painful sesamoid of the great toe
Alex L Sims, Harish V Kurup
Alex L Sims, Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital of North Tees, Cleveland TS19 8PE, United Kingdom
Harish V Kurup, Department of Orthopaedics, Pilgrim Hospital Sibsey Rd, Lincolnshire PE21 9QS, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Sims AL wrote the paper; Kurup HV wrote and edited the paper.
Correspondence to: Alex L Sims, MBBS, MSc, MRCS, Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital of North Tees, Hardwick Rd, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland TS19 8PE, United Kingdom. asims@nhs.net
Telephone: +44-1642-617617 Fax: +44-1642-624814
Received: September 25, 2013
Revised: December 29, 2013
Accepted: January 15, 2014
Published online: April 18, 2014
Processing time: 236 Days and 9.9 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: This paper is a review article examining available evidence on the anatomy, function and common variation in the sesmoids of the great toe. There is discussion of the presentation, history, examination, investigations and subsequent management of the patient with a painful sesamoid. We discuss the role of operative intervention. We recommend early use of magnetic resonance imaging and discussion with a musculoskeletal radiologist to assist in diagnosis. Conservative management should be the first line in most cases.