Relationship Between the Intersesamoid Ligament and Sesamoid Bones in Cadaveric Feet with Hallux Valgus

Abstract

There is heterogeneity in the literature regarding the anatomy, exact location, and definition of the intersesamoid ligament (IL). Anatomic knowledge of the IL and its variations are important for surgeons who undertake corrective surgery for hallux abducto valgus (HAV). The IL was dissected in 16 feet from 32 formalin-fixed cadavers (12 females, four males; mean age at death, 76.6 years) to examine its morphology. The length, width, and thickness of its constituent bands were recorded with a digital caliper. Descriptive and correlational statistics were used to investigate the relationships between band size, age at death, and sex. A literature review was conducted to compare our data to those of previous studies. Results suggest that the size of the sesamoids may change as a result of HAV deforming forces, which may cause lengthening of the IL. The IL stabilizes the sesamoid apparatus of the first( )metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) and should be evaluated in HAV correction. Anatomic knowledge of the complex morphology and relations between the IL and sesamoids is critically important for surgeons correcting HAV deformities.