Supernumerary peronei in the leg musculature- utility for reconstruction.

Muscular variations in the lower extremity are frequently encountered when performing cadaveric dissections. The utility of supernumerary muscles assumes importance in reparative foot surgery. The purpose of the current case study is to report the unilateral presence of double peroneal muscles in the evertors of the foot. The peroneal compartment of an adult Indian male cadaver was dissected during a demonstration class for medical undergraduates. Two bellies of the peroneal longus and brevis muscles were observed. The peroneus longus split into two bellies, superficial and deep, while the brevis displayed superficial/lateral and deep/medial bellies. These additional bellies gained attachment to the lateral calcaneal surface. Disorders of the peroneal tendons provide a basis for lateral ankle pain and instability. Anatomical variants have been associated with lateral ankle diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging can demonstrate these soft tissue variants, and detailed information on the anatomy of the crural region enables a surgeon to plan an operation. This study shows duplication of the peroneal muscle, which may have an impact on reconstructive surgery.