Bicipital origin of plantaris muscle – a case report

The superficial flexors gastrocnemius, plantaris and soleus form the bulk of calf. The plantaris muscle is exceedingly variable in origin. Here, we present a case report where it originated by two slips, first slip from lower part of lateral supracondylar line (usual) and second slip arising from posterior surface of lateral condyle of femur (variant), some fibers of which were merging with the lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle. The existence and importance of bicipital origin of plantaris muscle can be of academic, surgical and clinical interest as it has been established by MRI scan and ultrasonography that injuries to this muscle can occur in isolation (tennis leg). Plantaris tendon grafts have been used successfully in reconstruction of anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, for flexor tendon replacement in hand and for atrioventricular valve repair.