Article Text
Abstract
Background Sesamoid bones are round or oval-shaped bones that are embedded in tendons. The prevalence and distribution of sesamoids in the hand varies between different populations. Conventional radiography (CR) is generally used to identify the sesamoid bones. However, there was no study using digital tomosynthesis (DTS).
Objectives The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and distribution of sesamoid bones in the hand using DTS in comparison to previous studies.
Methods Using CR and DTS, hand images (81 left and 100 right) taken at a tertiary hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The sesamoid bones were identified in the distal interphalangeal (DIP), interphalangeal (IP), and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) of the thumb (I), index (II), long (III), ring (IV), and small (V) fingers. Differences in number of sesamoid bones detected on CR and DTS were analyzed.
Results Sesamoid bones were observed in MCP I (100%), MCP II (46%), MCP III (2%), MCP IV (2%), MCP V (53%), and IP (53%) on CR. Using DTS, sesamoid bones were found more often in MCP I (100%), MCP II (54%), MCP III (2%), MCP IV (1%), MCP V (59%), and IP (75%). Differences in the mean number of sesamoid bones detected on CR and DTS were statistically significant. Sesamoid bones in DIP joints were frequently observed on DTS, but rarely found on CR.
Conclusions Most sesamoid bones in the hand were detected in MCP I, II, V, and IP joints, and were more often detected on DTS than CR. DTS is a reliable tool to evaluate bony structures in the hand.
Disclosure of Interest None declared