Accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones of the ankle and foot: imaging findings, clinical significance and differential diagnosis

Eur Radiol. 2003 Dec:13 Suppl 4:L164-77. doi: 10.1007/s00330-003-2011-8.

Abstract

Accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones are frequent findings in routine radiographs of the ankle and foot. They are commonly considered fortuitous and unrelated to the patient's complaint; however, they may eventually cause painful syndromes or degenerative changes in response to overuse and trauma. They may also suffer or simulate fractures. Our aim was to review, illustrate and discuss the imaging findings of some of the more frequent accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones of the ankle and foot region, with particular emphasis on those that may be of clinical significance or simulate fractures.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ankle Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ankle Joint / pathology
  • Bone Diseases / diagnosis
  • Bone Diseases / etiology
  • Bone and Bones / abnormalities
  • Bone and Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone and Bones / pathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Female
  • Foot Deformities, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sesamoid Bones / abnormalities*
  • Sesamoid Bones / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods