Definition:

Sesamoiditis repair and fixation is the treatment of sesamoiditis, an inflammation in the sesamoid bones of the foot. Sesamoiditis is a common foot condition of young, athletic people who do a lot of running or dancing. The sesamoid bones are located in the balls of the feet. They can become inflamed and irritated if too much pressure is put on them for an extended period of time. This inflammation and irritation is referred to as sesamoiditis, which can cause pain and make walking very difficult. After bone removal or scraping surgery, your doctor will put your foot into a cast or an orthopaedic shoe for two to three weeks. This will restrict movement and pressure so your sesamoid bones can heal properly. If you have bone graft surgery, you will wear a cast for at least four weeks.

Symptoms:

• Swelling in the great toe metatarsal phalangeal joint
• Point tender on the bottom of the great toe
• Pain when your big toe is bent in different directions
• Difficulty bending your big toe up and down.
• Inability to push with your big toe against pressure

Causes:

• Sesamoiditis – An inflammation of the tissues surrounding your sesamoid bones
• Fracture – Rare traumatic injury that happens when too much force cracks the bone. It can occur when someone falls on a bent big toe.
• Avascular necrosis
• Overuse of the great toe

Treatment:

• Period of immobilization in a cast or splint x 2-3 weeks
• Passive ROM and active ROM
• Foot intrinsic muscle strengthening
• Gait program
• Balance exercises
• Lower extremity strengthening