Work

Prevalence, variability, and clinical anatomy of the sesamoid bones of the hand: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Year: 2025

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sesamoid bones are small, tendon-embedded bones in the hand, which play a role in reducing friction and redirecting tendon forces. Their variable presence highlights the need for detailed anatomical knowledge, particularly for radiologists and orthopedic specialists diagnosing conditions in this region. Given their significance in both diagnostic and surgical contexts, an updated meta-analysis on this issue is highly important. METHODS: A large-scale search through the major databases was conducted with no date or language restrictions to determine and pool all available and relevant data. Anatomical Quality Assessment Tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. RESULTS: A total of 29 studies were included (n = 15011 hands). The prevalence of sesamoid bone at 1st metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) was 99.85 % (95 %CI: 99.7-99.95), 2nd MCP was 39.49 % (95 %CI: 35.31-43.76), 3rd was 1.74 % (95 %CI: 1.24-2.32), 4th was 0.64 % (95 %CI: 0.38-0.96), 5th 52.22 % (95 %CI: 45.36-59.04) and 1st interphalangeal joint was 48.03 % (95 %CI: 37.00-59.16). Our analysis showed that in total of 0.09 % of hands (95 %CI: 0.01-0.22) no sesamoid bones were found. Furthermore, no significant differences in balance could be found when comparing the left (0.30 %, 95 %CI: 0.00-0.81) and the right (0.13 %, 95 %CI: 0.00-0.36) hand. CONCLUSION: Understanding sesamoid bones variability might be crucial for anatomical insight and clinical diagnosis, particularly in orthopedics or radiology.

Source: Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger

DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152754