Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

08:43
Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination
Published on: July 7, 2016
Recognizing Posterior Accessory Muscles During Posterior Ankle Arthroscopy: A Case Report
Alexandre Castro1, Raquel Cunha1, João Teixeira2,1
1Orthopedics and Traumatology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Entre Douro e Vouga, Santa Maria da Feira, PRT.
Cureus
|February 20, 2026
Summary
Recognizing the rare peroneocalcaneus internus (PCI) muscle is crucial during posterior ankle arthroscopy. This accessory muscle can be mistaken for the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon, potentially leading to surgical complications.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- The flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon is vital for posterior ankle arthroscopy and Achilles tendon reconstruction.
- The peroneocalcaneus internus (PCI) is a rare accessory muscle often overlooked due to its proximity to the FHL.
- Misidentification of the PCI can lead to surgical errors, including ineffective grafts or neurovascular injury.
Related Concept Videos
Ankle Joint
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
Muscles of the Shoulder
The muscles surrounding the shoulder girdle, including the clavicle and scapula, primarily stabilize the scapula. This stable base allows other muscles to move the humerus effectively. Scapular movements often mirror those of the humerus and extend its range of motion. For instance, raising the arm above the head would not be feasible without simultaneous upward rotation of the scapula.
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Muscles that Move the Leg
The movement of the legs is facilitated by numerous muscles located within the anterior, medial, and posterior compartments of the thigh.
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed to...
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed to...
Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes
The human leg comprises an intricate system of muscles that facilitate the movement of feet and toes. Within this system, the muscles are categorized into the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments, each with a unique set of muscles carrying out specific functions.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles.

