These ossicles are not usually a problem but can become irritable with injury to the foot. Treatment can include rest, ice , elevation, and immobilization. This usually requires a boot extending up to the knee. The treatment period may require several weeks to achieve complete healing.

Oppenheimer ossicles are accessory ossicles associated with the facet joints found in ~4% (range 1-7%) 1 of lumbar spines. Oppenheimer ossicles are thought to arise as a result of non-union of a secondary ossification center of the articular process.

Ossicles are “small bones” – the definition is really that broad! In human anatomy, the small bones in the middle ear are referred to as “the ossicles”, but there are many other small bones in the hand and feet that appear are normal variant anatomy and are termed “accessory ossicles”: ossicles of the middle ear.

About six weeks after surgery, the patient should be fully able to bear weight on the affected leg and can begin physical therapy. A full recovery may take up to six months, but patients can return to work or school far sooner.

Accessory ossicles are well-corticated bony structures found close to bones or a joint. They result from unfused ossification centres and are frequently congenital. They may, however, also be the result of prior trauma.

Accessory ossicles are secondary ossification centers that remain separate from the adjacent bone. They are usually round or ovoid in shape, occur in typical locations and have well defined smooth cortical margins on all sides.

An accessory bone or supernumerary bone is a bone that is not normally present in the body, but can be found as a variant in a significant number of people. It poses a risk of being misdiagnosed as bone fractures on radiography.

Unfused ossicles result from accessory ossification centers near the tip of the vertebral processes. Their main importance lies in distinguishing them from fractures. The CT appearance of unfused ossicles in the lumbar spine was correlated with that of the corresponding surface anatomy from a cadaver specimen.

The apophysis is a site of tendon or ligament attachment, as compared to the epiphysis which contributes to a joint, and for that reason, it is also called ‘traction epiphysis’. When unfused, apophyses can easily be mistaken for fractures.