Prevalence of Accessory Ossicles of the Foot Among Adults Attending Radiology Clinics in Delta State

Accessory ossicles of the foot are small bones formed from unfused secondary ossification centres. Although usually asymptomatic, they can be mistaken for fractures on radiographs or become symptomatic after trauma, leading to chronic pain and disability. The prevalence of these ossicles varies considerably across populations, yet systematic data for Nigerian adults are largely absent. This study aims to determine the prevalence and types of accessory ossicles of the foot identified on plain radiographs among adult patients attending radiology clinics in Delta State, South South Nigeria. Retrospective and prospective radiographic data will be reviewed from three tertiary and secondary health facilities. Each identified accessory ossicle will be classified by type, location, laterality, and sex of the patient. The most common types, including the os trigonum, os tibiale externum, and os peroneum, will be specifically documented. The anticipated outcome is a population-specific prevalence estimate that will guide radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons in Delta State in distinguishing accessory ossicles from fractures, thereby preventing misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions.

Keywords: accessory ossicles, foot radiograph, ossification, forensic anatomy, Delta State