Sesamoid bones of the hand: A multicenter study.

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Radiology
• Anthropology

Background:

• Sesamoid bones (SBs) are small bones embedded within tendons, commonly found in the hand.
• Their prevalence and distribution can vary significantly across populations and anatomical locations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a multi-center investigation of sesamoid bones in Turkish subjects.
• To document the frequency, bilaterality, and coexistence of SBs in different hand regions, stratified by gender.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, three-centered study involving radiographic examination of 1,444 hands from 772 Turkish subjects (367 males, 405 females).
• Anteroposterior and oblique X-rays were analyzed by at least two independent observers, with consensus for discrepancies.

Main Results:

• Sesamoid bones were present in all subjects at the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb (MCP 1) bilaterally.
• Prevalence varied across other joints: MCP 2 (42.8%), MCP 3 (1.6%), MCP 4 (0.1%), MCP 5 (72.5%), and the first interphalangeal joint (IP 1) (21.8%).
• SBs in MCP 2, MCP 5, and IP 1 were more frequent in females and occurred more often bilaterally.

Conclusions:

• The distribution of sesamoid bones in the hand is influenced by anatomical region, gender, and laterality.
• Knowledge of SB prevalence and bilaterality is crucial for accurate clinical and radiological interpretation.