Work

The fibularis tertius muscle revisited: comparative anatomy, developmental classification, and evolutionary-clinical implications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The fibularis tertius muscle (FTM) has long been regarded as an accessory or vestigial structure with inconsistent presence in the human population. However, recent anatomical, developmental, and biomechanical evidence suggests that FT is a functional and evolutionarily novel muscle with distinct clinical implications. This review synthesizes current knowledge on FT morphology, embryological development, phylogenetic context, imaging challenges, and surgical relevance. A unified classification of its proximal and distal attachments is proposed for both fetal and adult populations. The clinical significance of FT variants, including agenesis and fusion with adjacent structures, is examined in the context of tendon harvesting, lateral ankle stabilization, and nerve assessment. Additionally, future directions are outlined, including fetal imaging, biomechanical modeling, and comparative EMG studies, aiming to integrate FT more comprehensively into anatomical atlases, radiological protocols, and surgical planning.

Source: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2025.1647572

Authors: Łukasz Olewnik, Ingrid C. Landfald, Daria Domosławka, George Triantafyllou, Georgi P. Georgiev, Maria Piagkou

Institutions: Mazovian University in Płock, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Queen Giovanna Hospital, Medical University of Sofia

Language: English

Topic: Foot and Ankle Surgery

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801