insert into the medial and lateral sesamoids, respectively. The intermetatarsal ligament also anchors the lateral sesamoid to the second MTP joint plantar plate.5 A fat-pad cushion and bursa separates the plantar dermis and the sesamoids. 57 In general, the medial sesamoid is larger and longer and the lateral sesamoid is smaller, rounder, and protected by the soft tissue of the first intermetatarsal space. 5,43The sesamoids protect the first metatarsal head by absorbing shock, increasing the FHB and FHL moment arms, and protecting and guiding the FHL passing between them. [3][4][5]53 The estimated resultant force acting across the first metatar-D ancers comprise a unique athletic population. They execute repetitive foot and ankle motions (alternating between extreme plantar flexion and dorsiflexion) with minimal to no supportive footwear, which predisposes them to overuse injuries of the foot and ankle. 10,11,39 Dancers apply a large amount of stress to the hallucal sesamoids when moving onto their toes to grand plié and demi-relevé (ankle plantar flexion and metatarsophalangeal [MTP] joint dorsiflexion), full relevé (ankle and MTP joint plantar flexion), and during eccentric deceleration occurring with jumps and hops. 14,53,58 STUDY DESIGN: Case report.

A simple, reliable, replicable technique, which takes but moments to perform, is available to quantify ankle plantarflexion. The ability to accurately measure plantarflexion enables a normal value of plantarflexion to be placed upon the professional dancer's ankle. Values are set forth for both male and female dancers, based on n = 811. Common and less common complaints in the dancer's foot and ankle are described in relation to deviations from this norm, as an aid in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

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