Incidence and Clinical Implications of Peroneal Sesamoid of the Foot

Abstract

Introduction: Os Peroneum (OP) is a sesamoid bone with an incidence of 5-26%, located in the tendon of peroneus longus adjacent to the lateral aspect of the cuboid bone. OP functions to protect the peroneus longus but can actually be responsible for peroneal tendon damage; acting as the focal point of mechanical stress it can lead on to fracture. OP fractures may be difficult to differentiate from the commonly encountered bipartite OP. Plantar lateral foot pain is a common presenting complaint in ankle sprain with many predisposing factors; pathology related to OP is often overlooked and neglected. Aim: To study the normal position, location, incidence, distribution and morphology of OP in the radiographs of foot. Materials and Methods: Retrospective 1000 radiographs of the foot, both anteroposterior and oblique view were observed for the presence, incidence, location and morphology of OP. Statistical analysis was done by applying descriptive statistics. Results: Incidence of OP was 10.2%, being more common in males than females, with predominantly round or ovoid shaped. OP was more often located on the lateral aspect of calcaneocuboid junction. Conclusion: Orthopaedician and radiologists must be aware of such bony variants in the foot and ankle, in order to prevent their misinterpretation, which assists as an aid in the early evaluation and management of undiagnosed plantar lateral foot pain

Keywords

• calcaneocuboid junction
• lateral foot pain
• os peroneum