The plantaris muscle – Anatomical curiosity or a structure with important clinical value? – A comprehensive review of the current literature

Gonera B, Kurtys K, Paulsen F, Polguj M, LaPrade RF, Grzelecki D, Karauda P, Olewnik Ł (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger Elsevier

Book Volume: 235

Article Number: 151681

DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151681

Abstract

Purpose: Although the plantaris muscle is vestigial in humans, it is far too important to remain omitted. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature focused on plantaris muscle clinical value, grafting usefulness and its morphological variations. Hopefully this study will be of great use for every medical practitioner due to its clarity and conciseness despite such broaden scope of this article. Material and Methods: The article is written based on 100 studies published since 1868 until 2020. During careful selection process 12 papers were dismissed due to their insufficient sample size, wrong methods used or results that were previously discovered. Results: Many aspects concerning the plantaris muscle are already well examined, summarized and described. However this study has shown how much we still do not know and which fields require further investigations. Conclusion: The anatomical variations of plantaris muscle morphology may cause mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy, tennis leg syndrome or increase the risk of failure while harvesting the tendons.

Authors with CRIS profile

Friedrich Paulsen Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle und Klinische Anatomie

Involved external institutions

Medical University of Łódź / Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi PL Poland (PL) Twin Cities Orthopaedics US United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Gonera, B., Kurtys, K., Paulsen, F., Polguj, M., LaPrade, R.F., Grzelecki, D.,... Olewnik, Ł. (2021). The plantaris muscle – Anatomical curiosity or a structure with important clinical value? – A comprehensive review of the current literature. Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger, 235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151681

MLA:

Gonera, B., et al. "The plantaris muscle – Anatomical curiosity or a structure with important clinical value? – A comprehensive review of the current literature." Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger 235 (2021).

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