Anatomic variations of the accessory soleus muscle

Four cases of accessory soleus muscle are presented. By means of soft tissue radiography and computed tomography the course of the accessory muscle as well as its exact site and mode of insertion could be determined. It was found that the accessory muscle in these four cases showed four different varieties of insertion, i.e. along the tendon of Achilles, fleshy to the upper surface of the calcaneus, by a separate tendon to the upper surface of the calcaneus and fleshy to the medial surface of the calcaneus. These variations may be of importance in the planning of operative treatment. Therefore, meticulous radiologic examinations as depicted in this study are recommended before surgery.