Accessory soleus in the athletes: literature review and case report of a massive muscle in a soccer player

Abstract

Accessory soleus is a rare congenital anatomical variant, which may manifest in the second/third decade of life as an exertional ankle pain and swelling or as an asymptomatic postero-medial mass. The incidence of this condition ranges from 0.7 to 5.5%. Many treatment options have been described in literature, including conservative treatment, excision, fasciotomy, release and closure of blood supply. We report a symptomatic massive accessory soleus (17 x 5 x 4 cm) in an 18-year-old male semi-professional soccer player. Excision of the accessory soleus was performed. The patient went back to the game 3 months after surgery. The literature review stated that either fasciotomy or excision of the muscle produce good results in the athletes.