Hallucal sesamoid pain: causes and surgical treatment

The hallucal sesamoids, although small and seemingly insignificant, play an important role in the function of the great toe by absorbing weight-bearing pressure, reducing friction, and protecting tendons. However, the functional complexity and anatomic location of these small bones make them vulnerable to injury from shear and loading forces. Injury to the hallucal sesamoids can cause incapacitating pain, which can be devastating to an athlete. Although traumatic injuries usually can be diagnosed easily, other pathologic conditions may be overlooked. Careful physical and radiologic examinations are necessary to determine the cause of pain and allow a recommendation of the optimal treatment. Surgical treatment may include partial or complete resection of the sesamoid, shaving of a prominent tibial sesamoid, or autogenous bone grafting for nonunion. Excision of both sesamoids should be avoided if possible.