Tensor fasciae suralis : an accessory muscle in the posterior aspect of the lower extremity

Abstract

Variant muscles are a rarity and this is a case report of an accessory muscle which was seen in the back of thigh and popliteal fossa, on the left side, of a middle-aged male cadaver. This muscle measured 12.5cm in length and was attached to the hamstrings proximally, by two tendinous slips. The distal end merged with the deep fascia of the back of leg. The muscle was innervated by the tibial nerve. Referring to similar cases reported earlier, it is concluded that this is a rare, accessory muscle named tensor fasciae suralis.

Accessory Lateral Gastrocnemius Tendon: A Case Report

“…In addition, the tensor fasciae suralis is a muscle that can arise from the semimembranosus, semitendinosus, or less commonly biceps femoris. Distally, it typically inserts on the superficial aspect of the proximal Achilles tendon, but reports have shown it inserting on the crural fascia over the lateral gastrocnemius muscle (24,25).…”