Definition
A flat muscle located in the posterior lower leg beneath the gastrocnemius. Unlike the gastrocnemius, the soleus crosses only the ankle joint. Both muscles merge into the Achilles tendon and are commonly affected by tightness during tibial lengthening.
Updated
Sources
- Simultaneous Bilateral Femoral and Tibial Lengthening in Achondroplasia — Shabtai L et al., Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 2021Official public sourceAccessed 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 public sourceAccessed 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 public sourceAccessed 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.