Concomitant variations of the tibialis anterior, and extensor hallucis longus, and extensor hallucis brevis muscles

Abstract

Tibialis anterior (TA) muscle originates from the lateral surface of tibia and its tendon attaches to the medial cuneiform and base of the first metatarsal. The TA muscle is responsible for both dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot. We present a case of bilateral TA muscle variations that diverge slightly from the current classification systems of this muscle. Recognizing variations such as these may be important for anatomists, surgeons, podiatrists, and physicians. Following routine dissection, an accessory tendon of the TA muscle was found on both sides. Accessory tendons of the extensor hallucis longus and extensor hallucis brevis joined to form a common tendon on both sides. We believe that this unique case will help further the classification systems for the tendons of the TA and also be informative for clinical anatomists as well as physicians treating patients with pathology in this region