Symptomatic tensor fasciae suralis muscle as accessory muscle at popliteal fossa in young soldier: a case report

Abstract Introduction The tensor fasciae suralis is an aberrant muscle frequently identified in cadaveric studies and MRI studies; however, it has been rarely reported in clinical studies. We present a case of recurrent popliteal pain in a young adult male and our experience with its diagnosis and t...

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Main Authors: Yong Sik Lee, Yeong Hyeon Lee, Jee Soo Park, Gil Yeong Ahn, Sung Hyun Hwang, Chae Kyung Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-02-01
Series:BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08351-2
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author Yong Sik Lee
Yeong Hyeon Lee
Jee Soo Park
Gil Yeong Ahn
Sung Hyun Hwang
Chae Kyung Lee
author_facet Yong Sik Lee
Yeong Hyeon Lee
Jee Soo Park
Gil Yeong Ahn
Sung Hyun Hwang
Chae Kyung Lee
author_sort Yong Sik Lee
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Introduction The tensor fasciae suralis is an aberrant muscle frequently identified in cadaveric studies and MRI studies; however, it has been rarely reported in clinical studies. We present a case of recurrent popliteal pain in a young adult male and our experience with its diagnosis and treatment. Case presentation A 20-year-old active-duty soldier presented with recurrent right popliteal pain, initially triggered by intense physical activity during military training. Pain subsided with rest but recurred after strenuous exercises, such as soccer. Examination revealed a palpable soft mass with mild tenderness and swelling in the popliteal region. Ultrasonography identified an aberrant tensor fasciae suralis muscle with perifascial edema, originating from the semimembranosus muscle and attaching to the fascia of the medial gastrocnemius. MRI confirmed the findings with edema at its boundary. Conservative management led to symptom improvement. A follow-up ultrasound six months later showed resolution of swelling. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of recognizing the TFS muscle to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions.
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publishDate 2025-02-01
publisher BMC
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series BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
spelling doaj-art-e9c37876ce9f434a960ce03b2985561c2025-02-09T12:04:28ZengBMCBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders1471-24742025-02-012611510.1186/s12891-025-08351-2Symptomatic tensor fasciae suralis muscle as accessory muscle at popliteal fossa in young soldier: a case reportYong Sik Lee0Yeong Hyeon Lee1Jee Soo Park2Gil Yeong Ahn3Sung Hyun Hwang4Chae Kyung Lee5Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Pohang St. Mary’s HospitalDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Pohang St. Mary’s HospitalDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Pohang St. Mary’s HospitalDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Pohang St. Mary’s HospitalDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Pohang St. Mary’s HospitalDepartment of Radiology, Pohang St. Mary’s HospitalAbstract Introduction The tensor fasciae suralis is an aberrant muscle frequently identified in cadaveric studies and MRI studies; however, it has been rarely reported in clinical studies. We present a case of recurrent popliteal pain in a young adult male and our experience with its diagnosis and treatment. Case presentation A 20-year-old active-duty soldier presented with recurrent right popliteal pain, initially triggered by intense physical activity during military training. Pain subsided with rest but recurred after strenuous exercises, such as soccer. Examination revealed a palpable soft mass with mild tenderness and swelling in the popliteal region. Ultrasonography identified an aberrant tensor fasciae suralis muscle with perifascial edema, originating from the semimembranosus muscle and attaching to the fascia of the medial gastrocnemius. MRI confirmed the findings with edema at its boundary. Conservative management led to symptom improvement. A follow-up ultrasound six months later showed resolution of swelling. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of recognizing the TFS muscle to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08351-2Accessory muscleIschioaponeuroticusTensor fasciae suralisPopliteal fossa
spellingShingle Yong Sik Lee
Yeong Hyeon Lee
Jee Soo Park
Gil Yeong Ahn
Sung Hyun Hwang
Chae Kyung Lee
Symptomatic tensor fasciae suralis muscle as accessory muscle at popliteal fossa in young soldier: a case report
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Accessory muscle
Ischioaponeuroticus
Tensor fasciae suralis
Popliteal fossa
title Symptomatic tensor fasciae suralis muscle as accessory muscle at popliteal fossa in young soldier: a case report
title_full Symptomatic tensor fasciae suralis muscle as accessory muscle at popliteal fossa in young soldier: a case report
title_fullStr Symptomatic tensor fasciae suralis muscle as accessory muscle at popliteal fossa in young soldier: a case report
title_full_unstemmed Symptomatic tensor fasciae suralis muscle as accessory muscle at popliteal fossa in young soldier: a case report
title_short Symptomatic tensor fasciae suralis muscle as accessory muscle at popliteal fossa in young soldier: a case report
title_sort symptomatic tensor fasciae suralis muscle as accessory muscle at popliteal fossa in young soldier a case report
topic Accessory muscle
Ischioaponeuroticus
Tensor fasciae suralis
Popliteal fossa
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08351-2
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