Plantaris Muscle Injuries

Abstract

The plantaris muscle is a small vestigial structure and one of the superficial muscles of the posterior compartment of the calf. It is thought to be present in 80-90 % of the population and of questionable physiological importance. Despite this, injuries to the plantaris are not an uncommon cause of patient pain, and can present a diagnostic challenge clinically, making an understanding of plantaris anatomy and related pathology important to the clinician and radiologist. This chapter will focus on the anatomy, imaging and clinical findings of plantaris muscle pathology and treatment.