Sesamoiditis
Encyclopedia
Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the sesamoid bone
s. In humans it occurs on the bottom of the foot, just behind the large toe. There are normally two sesamoid bones on each foot; sometimes sesamoids can be bipartite, which means they each comprise two separate pieces. The sesamoids are roughly the size of jelly beans. In humans the sesamoid bones act as a fulcrum for the flexor tendons, the tendons which bend the big toe downward.
In the horse it occurs at the horse's fetlock
. The sesamoid bones lie behind the bones of the fetlock, at the back of the joint, and help to keep the tendons and ligaments that run between them correctly functioning.
Usually periostitis
(new bone growth) occurs along with sesamoiditis, and the suspensory ligament
may also be affected. Sesamoiditis results in inflammation, pain, and eventually bone growth.
Humans will also experience inflammation and pain. Sometimes the sesamoid bone will even fracture and can be difficult to pick up on X-ray. A bone scan is a better alternative.
s or horses with long toes and low heels.
In the human excessive forces caused by sudden bending upwards of the big toe, high heels, or a stumble can contribute to sesamoiditis. Once the sesamoid bone is injured it can be very difficult to cure because every time you walk you put additional pressure on the sesamoid bone. Treatment in humans consists of anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, strapping to immobilize the big toe and orthotics with special accommodations to keep pressure off the affected bone.
Sesamoid bone
In anatomy, a sesamoid bone is a bone embedded within a tendon.Sesamoids are found in locations where a tendon passes over a joint, such as the hand, knee, and foot. Functionally, they act to protect the tendon and to increase its mechanical effect. The presence of the sesamoid bone holds the...
s. In humans it occurs on the bottom of the foot, just behind the large toe. There are normally two sesamoid bones on each foot; sometimes sesamoids can be bipartite, which means they each comprise two separate pieces. The sesamoids are roughly the size of jelly beans. In humans the sesamoid bones act as a fulcrum for the flexor tendons, the tendons which bend the big toe downward.
In the horse it occurs at the horse's fetlock
Fetlock
Fetlock is the common name for the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints of horses, large animals, and sometimes dogs. It is formed by the junction of the third metacarpal or metatarsal bones proximad and the proximal phalanx distad...
. The sesamoid bones lie behind the bones of the fetlock, at the back of the joint, and help to keep the tendons and ligaments that run between them correctly functioning.
Usually periostitis
Periostitis
Periostitis, also known as periostalgia, is a medical condition caused by inflammation of the periosteum, a layer of connective tissue that surrounds bone...
(new bone growth) occurs along with sesamoiditis, and the suspensory ligament
Suspensory ligament
Suspensory ligament describes any ligament that supports a body part, especially an organ. Types include:* In humans** Suspensory ligament of thyroid gland or Berry's ligament** Suspensory ligament of clitoris...
may also be affected. Sesamoiditis results in inflammation, pain, and eventually bone growth.
Humans will also experience inflammation and pain. Sometimes the sesamoid bone will even fracture and can be difficult to pick up on X-ray. A bone scan is a better alternative.
Causes
In the horse sesamoiditis is generally caused by excess stress on the fetlock joint. Conformation that promotes sesamoiditis include long pasternPastern
The pastern is a part of the leg of a horse between the fetlock and the top of the hoof. It incorporates the long pastern bone and the short pastern bone , which are held together by two sets of paired ligaments to form the pastern joint...
s or horses with long toes and low heels.
In the human excessive forces caused by sudden bending upwards of the big toe, high heels, or a stumble can contribute to sesamoiditis. Once the sesamoid bone is injured it can be very difficult to cure because every time you walk you put additional pressure on the sesamoid bone. Treatment in humans consists of anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, strapping to immobilize the big toe and orthotics with special accommodations to keep pressure off the affected bone.