Prevalence of Hamstring Tightness in Young Orthopaedic Surgeons

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Introduction: Hamstring is a group of muscles that form an important part of core muscles (lumbo-pelvic and hip complex) and their tightness may reduce the lumbar lordosis thereby potentially decreasing the absorption of force, affecting posture, range of motion of lower limbs and increasing the possibility of developing Low Back Pain (LBP). It was planned to test hamstring tightness in group of Orthopaedic Surgeons as this group has been shown to be prone to develop back pain. Aim: To find prevalence of hamstring tightness in young Orthopaedic Surgeons who do not suffer from back pain. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at a tertiary care centre. Eighty two Orthopaedic Surgeons, between ages 24-35 years, were enrolled in the study. The height and weight of the subjects were recorded using a standardised medical scale. Age and medical history were recorded using a questionnaire. Knee extension angle were measured by active knee extension test. Less than 20 degree was considered normal. A 21-30 degree was regarded as mild tightness, 31-40 degree as moderate tightness and >40 degree as severe tightness. Results: Eleven surgeons (12.9%) did not have any hamstring tightness on either side. Rest all had some degree of hamstring tightness. There was no side predominance for hamstring tightness and both sides were equally involved (p=0.67). The mean tightness on right side was 30.83 degree and left side was 31.11 degree. Further, there was no relation of Body Mass Index (BMI) and hamstring tightness. Conclusion: Prevalence of hamstring tightness is very high among young Orthopaedic Surgeons.