Analysis of Fibularis Tertius in Terms of Frequency, Morphology, Morphometry and Clinical Significance in North Indian Cadavers.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The fibularis tertius muscle has always enjoyed the distinction of being an exclusively human structure and as such it has helped to separate man from the lower animals. Myocutaneous flaps have been progressively used in surgical reconstruction in the lower limb injuries requiring the use of muscles which result in less functional damage as flaps. Aim: Our study is aimed to evaluate frequency, morphology, morphometry and use of the fibularis tertius muscle as flaps in lower limb injuries. Materials and Methods: Sixty lower limbs from formalin preserved cadavers (28 male and 2 female) were dissected and evaluated for the following parameters origin of muscle, distal insertion, nerve supply, frequency, morphology, morphometry and any variation regarding this muscle. Results: The fibularis tertius muscle was detected in all the cases (60 limbs). Origin of all the cases were found at the interosseous membrane, anterior border of the fibula, and anterior intermuscular septum. Most distal insertions were found at the medial and dorsal sides of base of the 5th metatarsal bone (98.34%). Mean value of muscle belly length was 21 cm and width was 1.9 cm. The mean length of the distal tendon with no muscle fibers up to insertion was 6 cm, and the mean width was 0.5 cm. Conclusions: The fibulari stertius muscle is frequent and has a distinct morphology, making it a feasible option for use as graft. Knowledge of these variations may have useful clinical applications in cases of leg or foot trauma requiring tendoplasty or tendon transfer operations.