What is the anatomy of the left great sesamoid bone?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: December 12, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

I Cannot Provide an Image

I cannot display images as I am a text-based AI assistant. However, I can describe the anatomy and location of the left great sesamoid bones to help you understand what you would see in anatomical images or radiographs.

Anatomical Description of the Hallux Sesamoid Bones

The left great toe (hallux) contains two sesamoid bones—medial (tibial) and lateral (fibular)—located on the plantar aspect of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. 1, 2

Location and Structure

  • The sesamoid bones are positioned under the first metatarsophalangeal joint, specifically beneath the head of the first metatarsal bone on the plantar (bottom) surface of the foot 1, 2

  • These bones are enveloped by the tendons of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle and lie within the capsule of the first MTP joint 2

  • They appear as small ovoid bones that are typically smooth and rounded in contour 3, 2

The Two Sesamoids

  • Medial (tibial) sesamoid: Located on the inner side of the great toe, closer to the midline of the body 2

  • Lateral (fibular) sesamoid: Located on the outer side of the great toe, away from the midline 2

Best Imaging Views

To visualize the left great sesamoid bones on imaging, weightbearing anteroposterior (AP), lateral, and sesamoid axial views are recommended, with comparison views of the contralateral (right) foot often helpful. 4

  • The sesamoid axial view (also called tangential or sunrise view) provides the best visualization of both sesamoid bones by projecting them free of the metatarsal head 4

  • Standard radiographs should include lateromedial views specifically positioned to profile the sesamoid bones 2

Functional Anatomy

  • The sesamoids protect the joint and make movements faster and less energy consuming by acting as a fulcrum for the flexor tendons 5

  • They are positioned at sites where tendons are angled about osseous surfaces, serving to increase mechanical advantage 3

References

Guideline

Sesamoiditis Diagnosis and Imaging

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Research

Painful conditions affecting the first metatarsal sesamoid bones.

Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc, 1993

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.