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Bifurcated plantaris with rare relations to the neurovascular bundle in the popliteal fossa

Sushma R Kotian1, K S Sachin, Kumar M R Bhat

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, 576104, India.

Anatomical Science International
|June 18, 2013
PubMed

Insights

A rare variation of the plantaris muscle (PM) was found, featuring two muscle bellies from a single origin. This anatomical anomaly has significant implications for understanding neurovascular entrapment and surgical procedures in the knee region.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Human Morphology
  • Surgical Anatomy

Background:

  • The plantaris muscle (PM) is a small, often vestigial muscle in humans, typically originating from the femur and inserting into the calcaneum.
  • Variations in the PM's origin, course, and insertion are documented, but uncommon.
  • Understanding PM anatomy is crucial due to its tendon's use in reconstructive surgery.

Observation:

  • A rare case of plantaris muscle (PM) variation is presented.
  • This variation involved a single common origin with two distinct muscle bellies.
  • Peculiar relationships between the dual bellies and the neurovascular bundle in the popliteal fossa were observed.

Findings:

  • The identified plantaris muscle (PM) variation presented with a unique dual-belly structure arising from a single origin.
  • The anatomical course of these dual bellies demonstrated unusual proximity to the neurovascular structures within the popliteal fossa.
  • This specific variation is previously unreported in anatomical literature.

Implications:

  • This rare PM variation highlights the importance of detailed anatomical knowledge for surgical planning in the knee and leg.
  • Awareness of such variations can aid in predicting and diagnosing uncommon neurovascular entrapment syndromes.
  • The findings may inform reconstructive surgical techniques utilizing the plantaris tendon, considering potential anatomical anomalies.

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