Dissection of a rare accessory muscle of the leg: the tensor fasciae suralis muscle.

We report a case of the rare tensor fascia suralis muscle. This muscle was found during the routine dissection of the lower extremity in an adult male cadaver. No other anomalies were noted in this specimen. The innervation of this muscle was via the tibial component of the sciatic nerve. Although seemingly rare, the tensor fascia suralis muscle may be considered by the clinician in the differential diagnosis of masses over the posterior lower extremity.