Isolated distal plantaris tendon rupture – An unusual cause of posterior calf pain

Abstract

Plantaris muscle is a vestigial plantar flexor of the ankle running across the back of the leg as a part of the triceps surae muscle complex. Although injuries to the plantaris are uncommonly described, its rupture can mimic more clinically relevant conditions such as deep vein thrombosis or Achilles tendon tears. We present an interesting case of distal plantaris tendon rupture in a 19-year-old elite-international 400m sprinter mimicking Achilles tendon/soleus muscle injury and describe the clinico-radiological features, including the management strategy of this unusual injury.