Sesamoid bone interposition in the interphalangeal joint after dislocation of the hallux: A case report

Abstract

A 39 year-old woman injured the big toe of her right foot after a fall down the stairs. Upon examination there was a dislocation of the hallux. A plain radiograph showed a dislocation of the interphalangeal joint of the hallux and interposition of a sesamoid bone in the articular space. An attempt at closed reduction was unsuccessful, after which open reduction and excision of the sesamoid was undertaken. Dislocation of the interphalangeal joint of the hallux with interposition of a sesamoid is a rare injury. It is almost always the result of a hyperextension trauma. The clinical appearance together with a plain radiograph is in most cases sufficient for the diagnosis. Closed reduction should be attempted before open reduction is undertaken. If this is unsuccessful, it is probably due to an invaginated volar plate and sesamoid. Open reduction and removal of the sesamoid is then required followed by reduction of the volar plate plantarward. In general, the recovery is complete and without problems.