Published in:
Open Access
01-09-2020 | Achilles Tendinopathy | Case Report
A highly complex variant of the plantaris tendon insertion and its potential clinical relevance
Authors:
K. Kurtys, B. Gonera, Ł. Olewnik, P. Karauda, M. Polguj
Published in:
Anatomical Science International
|
Issue 4/2020
Login to get access
Abstract
The body is home to a number of unique and intriguing anatomical structures, plenty of which concern the muscles and their tendons. Of these, the plantaris muscle is reported to present a particularly high range of morphological variations. The muscle, passing distally throughout the length of the lower leg, consists of a small muscle belly and a long, thin tendon. It originates, traditionally, on the popliteal surface of the femur and the knee joint capsule, and then inserts to the calcaneal tuberosity. It has been suggested that mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy may be caused by certain plantaris tendon morphologies. This case report describes a new anomalous plantaris tendon insertion, closely related to the Achilles tendon. It comprise four distinct insertions and one direct merge with the calcaneal tendon. The current classification should be extended to accommodate such ‘rare cases’ to facilitate more successful Achilles tendinopathy treatment.