The prevalence of the accessory peroneal muscle; peroneus quartus and its clinical implications

Abstract

Objective: The peroneus quartus (PQ) muscle is the most frequently reported in the literature review as an accessory muscle of the lateral compartment of the leg. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphological study of the accessory muscle of the lateral compartment of leg. Design: Cadaveric Study Materials and Methods: Sixty fresh cadaveric lower limbs were dissected to study the PQ muscle. A quantitative descriptive study will be conducted for study of morphology of the PQ muscle, the origin and the insertion of the PQ muscles was evaluated. The photographs were made for data collection. Results: The PQ muscle was found in 4 of 60 specimens (6.67%). All of PQ muscle was found in unilaterally. The insertion of all of the PQ muscles was found at the lateral surface of the calcaneus especially to the retrotrochlear eminence. Discussion: The present of the accessory peroneal muscle resulting in peroneal retinaculum or tendon sheath stenosis as a result of peroneal tendinitis. Peroneal tendinitis commonly found as a result of repetitive activity, direct trauma, chronic lateral ankle instability, the fractures of calcaneus or ankle, or severe ankle sprains. The presence of accessory peroneal muscle especially the PQ muscle associated with the chronic pain at the ankle Conclusion: The results of the present study provide the anatomical knowledge of the accessory muscle that can be found at the lower extremity which may help the surgeon to keep in mind and choose the appropriate treatment for their patients and reducing the rate of complications in surgery.