European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ANOMALOUS MUSCLE ARISING FROM THE TENDON OF PERONEUS BREVIS (PERONEUS DIGITI MINIMI QUINTI / EXTENSOR DIGITI QUINTI BREVIS) AND ITS CLINICAL IMPORTANCE - A CASE REPORT

T. Ramesh Rao and Suresh R. Rao*

ABSTRACT

Variations within the musculature of the lateral compartment of the leg are uncommon. However, clinicians and radiologists should be aware of anatomical alterations in this region when involved in diagnosis or imaging interpretation. Awareness of such anatomical variants is important to surgeons undertaking reconstructive procedures of superior peroneal retinaculum which can be done by using a portion of Peroneus brevis in anterolateral subluxation of peroneal tendons which occurs most frequently in skiers. The accessory tendons can be used in cases of tendon rupture, besides the repair of main tendon, to increase the power. The knowledge of the variations will also help the surgeons to avoid post-operative complications. During routine dissection of the lateral compartment of the left leg and the dorsum of the foot in a middle aged male cadaver, we found the presence of a rare muscle arising from the tendon of peroneus brevis just below and distal to the lateral malleolus. From this origin this muscular slip was found running forwards on the lateral aspect of the dorsum of the foot and got inserted to the dorsal aspect of the base of the proximal phalanx of the little toe. However, similar variation was not observed on the contra-lateral side. Knowledge of this variant muscle is important not only for anatomist but also for surgeons to diagnose lateral ankle and foot complaints. This muscle can also be used in grafting and reconstruction in foot and ankle surgery. Further studies should be performed to determine its incidence if different population with the help of cadaveric study.

Keywords: Extensor digiti quinti brevis, peroneus digiti minimi quinti, peroneal muscle variations.