J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2009 Dec;13(2):138-141.

Range of Motion of Great Toe after Sesamoidectomy: A Cadaveric Study

• Chung HW
• Kim JG
• Lee WC
• Moon JS
• Suh JS

Abstract

PURPOSE
Regardless of potential and actual complications, the sesamoidectomy either tibial side or fibular side or both, had been used as a surgical option for various pathologic conditions. The objective of this cadaveric study was to identify the changes of range of motion of great toe after sesamoidectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight fresh cadaver legs were used. The angular changes of the hallucal articulations were measured by traction of the flexor hallucis longus tendon at the proximal border of fibro-osseous tarsal tunnel and by traction of the extensor hallucis longus tendon at the superior border of inferior extensor retinaculum. The measurement started at neutral position and proceeded to the maximum for respective tendons. After sesamoidectomy either partial or total, same procedures were repeated and the angular changes were measured.
RESULTS
In flexion of great toe, there were significant metatarsophalangeal angular differences at 1 cm traction in total sesamoidectomy and lateral sesamoidectomy. In extension of great toe, there were significant metatarsophalangeal angular differences at more than 2 cm traction in total sesamoidectomy. In other measurements, there were no significant angular changes of the hallucal articulations.
CONCLUSION
The sesamoidectomy resulted in change of motion of great toe. Statistical analysis showed that the significant increases in the initial flexion and maximal extension occurred with total sesamoidectomy and the significant increase in the initial flexion occurred with lateral sesamoidectomy.

Keyword

Great toe; Sesamoidectomy; Moion of great toe

MeSH Terms

Cadaver
Leg
Range of Motion, Articular
Tendons
Toes
Traction