Plantaris rupture: why is it important?

Abstract

Plantaris muscle is accessory plantar flexor of calf, a vestigial muscle of triceps surae complex. Its importance lies in the fact that its rupture cans mimic deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sometimes when there is rupture of Achilles tendon, intact plantaris can still cause plantar flexion at ankle presenting a confusing picture. We present one such case of plantaris rupture confused by radiology resident with DVT. A 51-year-old man had a feeling as if kicked in back of calf along with a snapping sound and severe pain while playing tennis. On seeing fluid between muscle plane and a hypoechoic structure radiology resident labelled it DVT. MRI suggested ruptured plantaris as fluid and muscle stump were seen between gastronemius and soleus. Patient was treated conservatively with rest, ice compression and elevated leg and showed significant reduction in pain and swelling.

• Authors: Seema Rohilla, Nitin Jain, Rohtas Yadav
• Journal: BMJ case reports (BMJ Case Rep) Vol. 2013 (Jan 22 2013) ISSN: 1757-790X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23345486 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Achilles Tendon (injuries, pathology)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscle, Skeletal (injuries, pathology)
• Rupture
• Tendon Injuries (complications, diagnosis)