Accessory Belly of the Plantaris Muscle and its Clinical Relevance

Abstract

The plantaris muscle is accessory flexor group muscle of the lower leg. The muscle originates from the lower part of the lateral supracondylar line of the femur and the oblique popliteal ligament, inserted medial to calcaneal tuberosity. During the routine dissection for the undergraduate medical students we encountered accessory plantaris muscle originating medial side of the femoral condyle and capsular ligament. Both the normal lateral and accessory medial tendons fused to form long slender tendon and inserted medial to calcaneal tuberosity. Knowledge of variable origin, course and the insertion of the plantaris muscle is important for surgeons performing various reconstructive surgeries