Sesamoid bones Surface Anatomy

Location

The sesamoid bones are located under the head of the first metatarsal, and are embedded in the medial and lateral heads of the flexor hallucis brevis tendon.

Significance

Tenderness upon palpation of the sesamoids indicates sesamoiditis, fracture, or avascular necrosis. Sesamoid injury can be confirmed if the site of tenderness moves as the patient flexes and extends their large toe. Pathology is most often seen in the medial sesamoid bone.