Pes anserinus

Pes anserinus (goose foot) refers to the conjoined tendons of three muscles that insert onto the anteromedial (front and inside) surface of the proximal extremity of the tibia. The muscles are: the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus. The name "goose foot" arises from the three-pronged manner in which the conjoined tendon inserts onto the tibia.

Anatomy

The pes anserinus is located on the inner part of your shinbone (tibia), just below the knee. The three muscles that make up the pes anserinus come from different starting points around your hip and thigh, but they all join together at the pes anserinus.

• The sartorius muscle is the longest muscle in the human body. It starts at the hip, crosses the front of the thigh, and runs down to the inner knee.
• The gracilis muscle is a thin, flat muscle that starts at the pubic bone and runs down the inner thigh to the tibia.
• The semitendinosus muscle is one of the three hamstring muscles. It starts at the base of the pelvis and runs down the back of the thigh to the tibia.

Clinical significance

Inflammation of the pes anserinus (known as pes anserine bursitis or anserine bursitis) can cause medial knee pain. The pes anserinus is the site of insertion of the medial collateral ligament of the knee, and is therefore significant in stabilizing the medial aspect of the knee joint.

Treatment

Treatment for pes anserine bursitis typically involves rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy may also be recommended to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility. In severe cases, a corticosteroid injection may be necessary.

See also

• Bursitis
• Knee pain
• Medial collateral ligament

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