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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2023; 27(02): 206-213
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1762594
Review Article

Imaging of Tendinous and Muscular Anatomical Variants Around the Ankle

Tjaša Tomažin
1   Clinical Radiology Institute, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
,
Domen Plut
1   Clinical Radiology Institute, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
2   Faculty of Medicine - Department of Radiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
,
Žiga Snoj 
1   Clinical Radiology Institute, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
2   Faculty of Medicine - Department of Radiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Abstract

Tendinous and muscular anatomical variants around the ankle are usually an unexpected finding on imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging offers the best visualization of the accessory muscles; however, they can also be detected on radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. Their accurate identification facilitates appropriate management of the rare symptomatic cases, mostly caused by accessory muscles in the posteromedial compartment. Symptomatic patients present with chronic ankle pain, most commonly as tarsal tunnel syndrome. The most frequently observed accessory muscle around the ankle is the peroneus tertius muscle, an accessory muscle in the anterior compartment. The tibiocalcaneus internus and peroneocalcaneus internus are uncommon; anterior fibulocalcaneus is rarely mentioned. We describe the anatomy of the accessory muscles with their anatomical relations accompanied by schematic drawings and radiologic images from clinical practice.

Keywords

ankle - accessory muscles - anatomical variants - imaging


Publication History

Article published online:
03 April 2023

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