The arterial supply of the sesamoid bones of the hallux: the course and source of the nutrient arteries as an anatomical basis for surgical approaches to the great toe.

The arterial supply of the hallux sesamoids was studied in 29 human feet by anatomical dissection. Eight of them underwent radiographic analysis prior to dissection. The sesamoid arteries branch off from the digital plantar arteries of the hallux, which, in turn, are derived from the medial plantar artery and the plantar arch (type A), the plantar arch (type B), or the medial plantar artery (type C). The respective frequencies of types A, B, and C were 52%, 24%, and 24%. The number of sesamoid arteries varied from one (55%) to three (10%) and the number increased with the size of the sesamoid bones. Anatomical knowledge of the course and distribution of these vessels may be of great help to the orthopedist in the understanding of the pathogenesis of avascular necrosis and may provide insight into several technical aspects regarding surgery of the hallux.