Accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones: recognition and treatment

Abstract

Accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones are normal variants of bone development. In foot and ankle X-rays these bones can appear similar to, or can obscure, fractures, which makes the X-rays difficult to interpret. This article illustrates and describes some of the more common ossicles and sesamoid bones, and provides a brief description of the management of the patients with foot or ankle pain whose X-rays are inconclusive.

Keywords: Foot; X-rays; ankle; bone development; fractures; normal variances; ossicles; pain; sesamoid bones.