Correlation of the Hallux Sesamoids' Orientation with Various Anatomical Parameters in Patients with Hallux Valgus Deformity

Introduction An awareness of the anatomical parameters of the foot such as the position and orientation of the sesamoid bones can be of great value for the etiology and diagnostic approach to patients with hallux valgus (HV). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the basic anatomical features and measurements related to the characteristics of HV in cadaveric material. Materials and methods The study sample included 12 cadaveric limbs with HV and 10 cadaveric limbs without HV as a control group. We measured the HV angle (HVA), the first to second intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and the first to fifth IMAs of all samples. We also recorded the shape of the first metatarsal head and the position/orientation of the sesamoid bones. Results The mean values of the HVA (p = 0.000), the first to second IMA (p = 0.000), and the first to fifth IMA (p = 0.000) differed between the HV and non-HV group. The position of the sesamoid ossicles between the HV and the non-HV group was statistically significant (p = 0.001). While we noted the round shape of the first metatarsal head was predominant in HV samples, we found no statistically significant difference in the first metatarsal head shape between the test and control groups. Conclusion The HVA, the first to second IMA, the first to fifth IMA, and the orientation of the sesamoid ossicles differed significantly between cadaveric samples with HV and those without HV.