Morphometric Analysis of Peroneus Tertius and Extensor Digitorum Longus

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyse morphometric characteristics of the Peroneus Tertius (PT) and Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL) muscles with important correlations and associations that may describe their functional significance.Material and Methods: The measurements PT and EDL muscles of cadavers were taken using a standard measuring tape. Minitab software Version 20.1 was used for statistical analysis methods of Spearman rho, Mood’s Median test, Fishers Exact test, and Two-sample T-test. Results: Of the 54 specimens of lower limbs, the mean length of origin of the PT from the fibula was 13.80±5.52 cm and 76% of the specimens with a separate origin of PT extended to its proximal half. The distal insertion of PT tendon was mostly as a single insertion into the base of the fifth metatarsal bone (55.55%). Spearman rho correlation value for the EDL muscle belly circumference with the number of intertendinous connections showed a mild negative correlation. Conclusions: Knowledge of morphometric characteristics and the variations of these muscles aid in clinical applications and suggest the use of radiological assessment of the muscle prior to surgical intervention.