title: The metatarsosesamoid joint: an in vitro 3D quantitative assessment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The anatomy of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, particularly the metatarsosesamoid articulation, remains poorly understood. Our goal was to quantitatively define the excursion of the sesamoids.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven cadavers were dissected to assess the articulating surfaces throughout a normal range of motion. The dissections were digitally reconstructed in various positions using a MicroScribe.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For first MTP joint, excursion averaged 14.7mm for the tibial sesamoid in the sagittal plane and 7.5mm for the fibular sesamoid. The sesamoids also moved medially to laterally when the joint was dorsiflexed. For the maximally dorsiflexed joint, excursion averaged 2.8mm for the tibial sesamoid and 3.5mm for the fibular sesamoid.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hallucal sesamoids appear to have differential tracking: the tibial sesamoid has greater longitudinal excursion; the fibular sesamoid has greater lateral excursion. The anatomical data will interest those involved with the design of an effective hallux arthroplasty.
authors: Laboratory of Human Anatomy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, United Kingdom; Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF, Scotland, United Kingdom. Electronic address: bjamal@doctors.org.uk.
authors: Bilal
authors: B
authors: Jamal
authors: Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, University Hospital of South Manchester, Southmoor Road, Manchester M23 9LT, England, United Kingdom. Electronic address: aorthopod@yahoo.co.uk.
authors: Anand
authors: A
authors: Pillai
authors: Laboratory of Human Anatomy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Quentin.fogg@glasgow.ac.uk.
authors: Quentin
authors: Q
authors: Fogg
authors: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF, Scotland, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Senthil.kumar@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.
authors: Senthil
authors: S
authors: Kumar
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012716:Sesamoid Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Anatomy; Arthroplasty; Hallux; Sesamoids; Tracking