An Erratic Origin of Quadratus Plantae: An Embryological Error
Background: Quadratus plantae (Flexor digitorum accessorius) is one of the plantar muscles of foot . It is present in the second layer of sole. It takes origin from calcaneus and gets inserted into the tendon of flexor digitorum longus. The main function of it is to flex the lateral four toes in any position of the ankle joint by pulling on tendons of the flexor digitorum longus. Its variations like high origin have been implicated in the causation of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Methodology and Results: In routine dissection done on 22 cadavers, we observed a bilateral variant muscle flexor digitorum accessorius longus on both right and left sides in a male cadaver. The modality of choice in diagnosing the accessory muscle is magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusion: The knowledge of this variation would be essential to anatomists, radiologists and also to the foot surgeons while performing posterior ankle endoscopy. KEY WORDS: Flexor digitorum Accessorius longus, Tarsal tunnel syndrome, Posterior ankle endoscopy.