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MR imaging of flexor digitorum accessorius longus
Y Y Cheung1, Z S Rosenberg, E Colon
1Radiology Department, St. Vincent's Hospital, New York, NY 10011, USA.
Skeletal Radiology
|May 8, 1999
Summary
The flexor digitorum accessorius longus (FDAL) muscle is present in 6% of asymptomatic individuals. This anomalous muscle in the tarsal tunnel can be identified on MRI, aiding in diagnosing conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- The flexor digitorum accessorius longus (FDAL) muscle is an anomalous structure.
- It has been recently associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of the FDAL in asymptomatic individuals.
- To describe its appearance on MRI.
- To evaluate its relationship with the neurovascular bundle within the tarsal tunnel.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 100 asymptomatic ankle MR examinations to determine FDAL prevalence.
- Analysis of 20 FDAL cases (6 asymptomatic, 14 with ankle complaints) to describe its MR appearance.
Main Results:
- The FDAL was identified in 6% of the 100 asymptomatic individuals.
- The muscle typically has a dominant fleshy component.
- It runs alongside the posterior neurovascular bundle in the tarsal tunnel.
Conclusions:
- The FDAL occurs in 6% of asymptomatic subjects.
- Its characteristic appearance and location near the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle on MRI help differentiate it from other anomalous medial ankle muscles.