Biomedical
Case report of unusual insertion of the fibularis brevis muscle
Kacper Ruzik,
Kacper Ruzik
Department of Anatomical Dissection and Donation, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
Karolina Westrych,
Karolina Westrych
Department of Anatomical Dissection and Donation, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
Marko Konschake,
Marko Konschake
Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Müllerstr. 59, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
R. Tubbs,
R. Tubbs
Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
Piotr Karauda,
Piotr Karauda
Department of Anatomical Dissection and Donation, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
Łukasz Olewnik
Łukasz Olewnik
Department of Anatomical Dissection and Donation, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
The fibularis brevis and fibularis longus muscles belong to the lateral compartment of the leg. The fibularis brevis is morphologically variable, especially in the number of tendons and place of insertion. Its type of insertion is correlated with the presence of a fibularis digiti quinti, which is also anatomically variable. We present a case study based on dissection of a seventy-three-year-old female cadaver with an unusual insertion of the fibularis brevis muscle. The tendon had three bands inserting into the fifth metatarsal bone. There was a coexisting fibularis digiti quinti, which was fused with the fibularis tertius muscle. Awareness of such anatomical variation could be useful during reconstructive surgery and planning rehabilitation protocols.
Key Questions
What are the fibularis brevis and fibularis longus muscles?
The fibularis brevis and fibularis longus are muscles in the outer part of the lower leg. They help with movements like pointing the foot outward and stabilizing the ankle. The fibularis brevis, in particular, is known for having a lot of natural variation in how it looks and where it attaches.
What did researchers find in this case study?
During the dissection of a 73-year-old female cadaver, researchers discovered an unusual version of the fibularis brevis muscle. Instead of having a single tendon attaching to the foot, it had three separate bands connecting to the fifth metatarsal bone (the bone behind the little toe). They also found a rare muscle called the fibularis digiti quinti, which was fused with another muscle, the fibularis tertius.
Why is this discovery important?
This kind of anatomical variation isn’t common, but it’s important for doctors and surgeons to know about. Understanding these differences can help during surgeries, like reconstructive procedures, or when planning rehabilitation for injuries. It also highlights how much natural variation exists in the human body.
What is the fibularis digiti quinti, and why is it significant?
The fibularis digiti quinti is a small, rare muscle in the foot that helps move the little toe. In this case, it was fused with the fibularis tertius, another muscle that helps lift the foot. This kind of fusion is unusual and shows how complex and variable human anatomy can be.
How does this study help medical professionals?
By documenting this rare variation, the study gives surgeons and physical therapists a better understanding of what they might encounter during procedures or treatments. Knowing about these variations can help them avoid complications and tailor their approaches to individual patients.
