Glossary term
Gastrocnemius
The large muscle of the posterior lower leg that forms the visible calf.
Definition
The large superficial muscle of the posterior lower leg that forms the visible calf. It crosses both the knee and ankle joints, making it particularly susceptible to tightening during tibial lengthening.
Aliases
calf muscle
Updated 2026-03-01
Sources
- Simultaneous Bilateral Femoral and Tibial Lengthening in Achondroplasia — Shabtai L et al., Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 2021official_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
33 obstacles in femoral+tibial lengthening including 10 peroneal nerve entrapments, 8 premature consolidations. Lengthening 5-8 cm medium risk; >8 cm higher complication rate.
- Results and complications of bilateral limb lengthening in achondroplasia — Ferruzza M et al., Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2023official_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
46 lengthening procedures (56 tibias, 36 femurs). Average tibial gain 7.9 cm, femoral gain 6.9 cm. 20.7% complication rate across 92 segments. Each week of external fixation associated with 4.7% increased complication risk.
- Stature Lengthening Surgery — Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Reif TJofficial_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
Most patients gain ~3 inches via femur; up to 5-6 inches total with tibia addition. Six-month process for femur alone.
Informational only. Not medical advice.