Morphological Analysis of Proximal Gastrocnemius Muscle – A Study in Thirty Adult Human Cadavers

Journal Title: International Journal of Anatomy Radiology and Surgery - Year 2016, Vol 5, Issue 2

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: The calf mussles are formed by large gastrocnemius muscle and smaller soleus muscles. The “belly” of calf muscle is an example of fusiform muscle. It is formed by gastrocnemius muscle which is having two heads called caput mediale and caput laterale. The present study of proximal attachments of heads of gastrocnemius muscles in thirty adult human cadavers was done to discuss surgical relevance of morphological variations in the origin of gastrocnemius. Correlation of length of muscle belly with the muscle flaps for defects over anterior tibia and knee joint has been discussed. Aim: To discuss surgical relevance of morphological variations in the origin of gastrocnemius. Materials and Methods: Material comprised of 60 lower limbs belonging to 30 embalmed adult cadavers of known sex obtained from Government Medical College, Amritsar. The muscles of posterior compartment of leg were exposed by dissection steps provided by Cunningham’s manual of practical anatomy. Origin of both the heads was traced as well as their lengths were taken. An attempt was made to explain the variants. Results: There was musculotendinous origin from the posterior aspect of head of fibula (6.6%), fibres were merging with the fibres of plantaris in 13.3% cases, however, its origin was not from the lateral supracondylar line in 3.3% cases. Sesamoid bone was observed within proximal attachment of lateral head of Gastrocnemius in 13.3% caeses. Fibres of medial head of gastrocnemius were observed to have an origin from fascia over Adductor magnus in 6.6% cases. Medial head was normal in origin in rest of the limbs. The medial head was longer than the lateral head in 48(80%) limbs with an average length of 16.25 cm. Conclusion: Anomalous proximal attachments of Gastrocnemius muscle and accessory slips can be there at the level of knee joint. Both MRI and ultrasound can detect anatomical variants. Length of muscle bellies can be a useful guide to the surgeon performing myocutaneous flaps and limb salvage procedures around knee joint. be a useful guide to the surgeon performing myocutaneous flaps and limb salvage procedures around knee joint.

Authors and Affiliations

Dr. Upasna, Amandeep Singh Nar, Ashwani Kumar, Atul Mishra, Ashvind Bawa

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP472942
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How To Cite

Dr. Upasna, Amandeep Singh Nar, Ashwani Kumar, Atul Mishra, Ashvind Bawa (2016). Morphological Analysis of Proximal Gastrocnemius Muscle – A Study in Thirty Adult Human Cadavers. International Journal of Anatomy Radiology and Surgery, 5(2), 41-43. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-472942