[Guest]

Findings on my MRI are "diffuse edematous change is seen throughout the medial sesamoid of the first metatarsal head region. What appears to be mild fragmentation of the same is noted as well. A fracture of the sesamoid is suspected....."Incidentally noted what appears to be a bone island within the first metatarsl head region". I have been through 3 weeks of walking on the heel of my foot, 1 week on crutches, 2 weeks in a plaster cast and on crutches and 2 weeks outof the cast on crutches. Doctor is recommending sesamoidectomy. Question---is that the answer for the findings of the MRI? Second, what are the downsides to doing this? I live in the mountains and do a lot of hiking, mountain biking and snowboarding....Finally what is a "bone island"? When my doctor reviewed the MRI with me, he didn't say anything about that particular finding. Thanks bunches!!

[Guest]

You have tried just about every conservative therapy and they have not worked. Therefore, Removal of teh entire sesamoid or at least removing the fragments that broke off would be a viable option. Removing a sesamoid is not a guarantee that the pain will go away. Approximately 70%-85% of teh people who are in your situation who have surgery are satisfied with the results. You will still be able to hike and be active after teh surgery. A bone island is a cyst in the bone. They are common and it is not the cause of your pain.
[quote] Findings on my MRI are "diffuse edematous change is seen throughout the medial sesamoid of the first metatarsal head region. What appears to be mild fragmentation of the same is noted as well... [/quote]