Osteochondritis of the first metatarsal sesamoids

Osteochondritis of the sesamoids of the hallux is an infrequently presenting condition of uncertain etiology. The diagnosis is usually established by the typical clinical presentation, fragmentation of the affected sesamoid seen on the axial-view radiogram and increased uptake on the 99mTc bone scan. The condition is usually refractory to conservative treatment and is best treated by excision of the affected sesamoid.