The gastrocnemius is the prominent, two-headed muscle of the posterior calf that, together with the soleus, forms the triceps surae complex and attaches to the Achilles tendon. In musculoskeletal ultrasound, the gastrocnemius is frequently evaluated because it is a common site of muscle tears, particularly at the medial head. These injuries, sometimes called tennis leg, typically occur during sudden acceleration or deceleration activities. On ultrasound, a gastrocnemius tear appears as a disruption of the normal muscle fiber pattern, often with a hematoma in the gap between torn fibers. Baker cysts are also commonly found between the medial head of the gastrocnemius and the semimembranosus tendon.
Sonography Term