Anatomico-clinical insights from a rare unilateral bifurcation of the fibularis brevis tendon: A dissection report with a proposal to improve the classification system
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2478/AMB-2025-0012Keywords:
fibularis brevis muscle, tendon, bifurcation, variation, significance, classificationAbstract
The lateral compartment of the foot contains two muscles: the fibularis brevis and fibularis longus. The fibularis brevis originates from the distal two-thirds of the fibula and the adjacent intramuscular septa. Variations in the origin, number of muscle bellies, and insertion of the fibularis brevis are commonly reported. However, bifurcation of the fibularis brevis tendon is a rare anatomical variation, infrequently described in the literature. In this report, we present a rare case of bifurcation in the tendon of the fibularis brevis muscle. After passing beneath the inferior fibular retinaculum, the tendon divides into two slips: a superior and an inferior slip. The superior slip inserts into the base of the fifth metatarsal, while the inferior slip extends forward and attaches to the extensor aponeurosis of the fifth toe. Such variations in the course and insertion of the fibularis brevis tendon are clinically significant due to the frequent involvement of this tendon in ankle injuries and its importance in reconstructive surgery. Therefore, a detailed understanding of potential variations in the origin, path, and insertion of the fibularis brevis muscle and its tendon is crucial for medical professionals.
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Copyright (c) 2025 L. Gaydarski, B. Landzhov, G. Mirazchiyski, I. Angushev, M. Piagkou, G. P. Georgiev (Author)
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Journal Acta Medica Bulgarica 
