DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF ASEPTIC (AVASCULAR) NECROSIS AND STRESS FRACTURE OF THE SESAMOID BONE (REVIEW)

Objective: Clarify the role of visual differential diagnosis in detecting aseptic (avascular) necrosis and stress fracture of the sesamoid bone.
Review writing methodology. A total of 42 scientific papers were found using Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PubMed databases for search using the queries: "sesamoid bone", "aseptic necrosis", "avascular necrosis", "osteonecrosis", "stress fracture". Twenty-nine sources were selected for the review. The time interval of the analyzed literature: 2000-2023. Conclusion. It is concluded that it is important to perform differential diagnosis of aseptic necrosis and stress fracture of the sesamoid bone in different localizations. Slight sclerosis enhancement detected on computed tomography confirms the presence of osteonecrosis of the sesamoid bone, whereas an irregularly shaped fragment with poorly corticated edges on the radiograph indicates a fracture. Radiologic studies, including radiography, CT, and MRI, provide useful information about the presence and pathology involving these bones and should be used in conjunction with clinical findings to guide patient management.

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