Hamstring Ruptures Research Articles

Assessment of fatty infiltration of the hamstring muscles in chronic proximal hamstring ruptures and effect on clinical outcomes after surgical repair: a novel application of the Goutallier classification.

Increased time to surgery has been previously associated with poorer clinical outcomes after surgical treatment of proximal hamstring ruptures, though the etiology remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether degree of muscle atrophy, as assessed using the Goutallier classification system, is associated with worse outcomes following surgical treatment of chronic proximal hamstring ruptures. This was a retrospective case series of patients who underwent repair of proximal hamstring ruptures from 2012 to 2020 with minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients were included if they underwent primary repair of a proximal hamstring rupture ≥ 6weeks after the date of injury and had accessible preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Exclusion criteria were allograft reconstruction, endoscopic repair, or prior ipsilateral hip surgery. Patients were administered validated surveys: the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool (PHAT). Fatty atrophy on preoperative MRI was independently graded by two musculoskeletal radiologists using the Goutallier classification. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to evaluate associations of preoperative characteristics with muscle atrophy, as well as mHHS and PHAT scores. Complete data sets were obtained for 27 patients. A majority of this cohort was male (63.0%), with a mean age of 51.5 ± 11.8years and BMI of 26.3 ± 3.8. The mean follow-up time was 62.6 ± 23.1months, and the mean time from injury-to-surgery was 20.4 ± 15.3weeks. The Goutallier grading inter-reader weighted kappa coefficient was 0.655. Regression analysis demonstrated that atrophy was not significantly associated with PHAT (p = 0.542) or mHHS (p = 0.574) at latest follow-up. Increased age was significantly predictive of muscle atrophy (β = 0.62, p = 0.005) and was also found to be a significant predictor of poorer mHHS (β = - 0.75; p = 0.037). The degree of atrophy was not found to be an independent predictor of clinical outcomes following repair of chronic proximal hamstring ruptures. Increasing age was significantly predictive of increased atrophy and poorer patient-reported outcomes.

Reconstruction of proximal hamstring ruptures restores joint biomechanics during various walking conditions.

We aimed to examine the functional outcome in different walking conditions in elderly adults who underwent surgical repair after a non-contact hamstring injury. Our objective was to compare lower limb kinematics and kinetics over the entire gait cycle between the injured and contralateral leg in overground and level and uphill treadmill walking. 12 patients (mean ± SD, age: 65 ± 9 years; body mass index: 30 ± 6 kg/m2) walked at self-selected speed in overground (0% slope) and treadmill conditions (0% and 10% slope). We measured spatiotemporal parameters, joint angles (normalised to gait cycle) and joint moments (normalised to stance phase) of the hip, knee and ankle. Data between sides were compared using paired sample t-tests (p < 0.05) and continuous 95% confidence intervals of the paired difference between trajectories. Patients walked at an average speed of 1.31 ± 0.26 m/second overground and 0.92 ± 0.31 m/second on the treadmill. Spatiotemporal parameters were comparable between the injured and contralateral leg (p > 0.05). Joint kinematic and joint kinetic trajectories were comparable between sides for all walking conditions. Refixation of the proximal hamstring tendons resulted in comparable ambulatory mechanics at least 1 year after surgery in the injured leg and the contralateral leg, which were all within the range of normative values reported in the literature. These results complement our previous findings on hamstring repair in terms of clinical outcomes and muscle strength and support that surgical repair achieves good functional outcomes in terms of ambulation in an elderly population. clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04867746).

Association Between Proximal Hamstring Tear Characteristics and Achievement of Clinically Significant Outcomes After Endoscopic and Open Repair at Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

Background: The effect of preoperative tear characteristics and the relative efficacy of open versus endoscopic surgical techniques have not been elucidated for the surgical treatment of proximal hamstring tendon injuries. Purpose: (1) To report on achievement rates of clinically significant outcomes at a minimum 2-year follow-up for multiple patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after surgical treatment of proximal hamstring injuries, stratified according to severity of proximal hamstring injury, and (2) to compare clinical outcomes associated with endoscopic versus open surgical repair for a subset of similarly classified tears. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3 Methods: A single-surgeon clinical registry was queried for patients who underwent surgical repair for proximal hamstring ruptures between January 2012 and March 2021. Injuries were classified by magnetic resonance imaging as follows: grade 1, incomplete tear with the involvement of 1 or 2 tendons; grade 2, complete tear with the involvement of 3 tendons and ≤2-cm retraction; and grade 3, complete tear with the involvement of 3 tendons and >2-cm retraction. The Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) for multiple PROs was calculated and compared among injury grades and between surgical techniques. Results: Among 75 patients with a mean follow-up of 30.5 ± 5.1 months, 20 had grade 1 tears, 24 had grade 2 tears, and 31 had grade 3 tears. Favorable 2-year postoperative PROs were demonstrated by each grade for all measured PROs. Patients with grade 3 tears were noted to have significantly lower rates of 2-year PASS achievement for the Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific (HOS-SS) scales (P≤ .032). Among grade 2 tears, patients treated endoscopically demonstrated significantly greater HOS-SS (endoscopic, 91.7%; open, 58.3%; P = .045) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System for Physical Function (endoscopic, 80.0%; open, 50.0%; P = .033) PASS achievement rates compared with those treated with the open technique. Complication rates were highest in patients with grade 3 tears (45.2%, P = .043). Conclusion: Surgical repair of proximal hamstring tendon tears with varying extents of tendon retraction resulted in high rates of achieving PASS at the 2-year follow-up. Among complete tears with <2 cm of retraction, endoscopic repairs exhibited equal or higher rates of achieving PASS compared with open repairs across multiple PROs at 2 years postoperatively. However, patients with complete tears and retraction >2 cm achieved lower rates of PASS on the HOS-ADL and HOS-SS scales and had a higher rate of complications.

Reconstruction of a Chronic, Retracted Proximal Hamstring Rupture Using Achilles Tendon Allograft

Background: Chronic, retracted proximal hamstring ruptures are a challenging problem and can be a significant cause of pain and disability if left untreated. Allograft augmentation is a viable surgical option with good clinical outcomes. Indications: Indications are symptomatic patients with chronic hamstring ruptures unable to be primarily repaired. Patients typically present with pain, instability, or lack of push of strength. Technique Description: An L-shaped extensile incision is made at the level of the gluteal crease. The gluteus maximus is retracted proximally. The sciatic nerve is identified, neurolysed, and tagged. Following the release of adhesions of the native tendon and confirmation of the inability to complete a primary repair, the Achilles tendon allograft is prepared. The allograft is incorporated with the native tendon and the subsequent hamstring construct is fixed and reduced to the ischial tuberosity with suture anchors. After copious irrigation, the incision is closed with Monocryl and Dermabond (Johnson and Johnson) and a sterile dressing is applied. The patient is placed in a hip brace locked in extension. Results: In a study by Rust et al, examining 72 patients with proximal hamstring ruptures, patients who underwent allograft reconstruction reported activities of daily living and postoperative sports activity equal to those of chronic repair, and inferior to those of acute repair. However, there were no significant differences between groups for patient-reported outcomes among acute and chronic repairs and allograft reconstruction. Moreover, a systematic review, by Van Der Made et al, published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, included 13 studies that found that Achilles allograft repair for delayed proximal hamstring repair results in outcomes comparable to acute primary repair. Discussion/Conclusion: Although the literature on chronic proximal hamstring repair is fairly limited, studies have shown that proximal hamstring repair with allograft augmentation can be favorable in symptomatic patients. Allograft augmentation for chronic, retracted proximal hamstring ruptures provides increased functional outcomes in comparison with nonoperative management. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

No difference in clinical outcomes between operative and nonoperative management of minimally retracted proximal hamstring ruptures.

The indications for surgical treatment of proximal hamstring ruptures are continuing to be refined. The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between patients who underwent operative or nonoperative management of proximal hamstring ruptures. A retrospective review of the electronic medical record identified all patients who were treated for a proximal hamstring rupture at our institution from 2013 to 2020. Patients were stratified into two groups, nonoperative or operative management, which were matched in a 2:1 ratio based on demographics (age, gender, and body mass index), chronicity of the injury, tendon retraction, and number of tendons torn. All patients completed a series of PROs including the Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool (PHAT), Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS), and the Tegner Activity Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using multi-variable linear regression and Mann-Whitney testing to compare nonparametric groups. Fifty-four patients (mean age = 49.6 ± 12.9years; median: 49.1; range: 19-73) with proximal hamstring ruptures treated nonoperatively were successfully matched 2:1 to 27 patients who had underwent primary surgical repair. There were no differences in PROs between the nonoperative and operative cohorts (n.s.). Chronicity of the injury and older age correlated with significantly worse PROs across the entire cohort (p < 0.05). In this cohort of primarily middle-aged patients with proximal hamstring ruptures with less than three centimeters of tendon retraction, there was no difference in patient-reported outcome scores between matched cohorts of operatively and nonoperatively managed injuries. Level III.

Open Proximal Hamstring Repair

Background: Proximal hamstring ruptures meeting operative criteria may be treated through endoscopic, open, or combined techniques. Open techniques allow for facilitated tendon visualization and mobilization with ease of suture passage. Indications: Proximal hamstring repairs are indicated for complete 3 tendon avulsions; partial avulsions with 2 or more tendons involved with more than 2 cm of retraction in young, active patients; and partial avulsion injuries or chronic tears that remain refractory to conservative treatment. Technique Description: Through an incision along the gluteal crease, the tendon stump is identified and mobilized. Anchors are placed in the prepped ischium and sutures are passed through the tendon in a running fashion. The tendon is secured to its origin in a docking technique. Results: Patients undergoing hamstring repair have high satisfaction rates and patient-reported outcome scores. Competitive and elite athletes have demonstrated reliable return-to-sport rates at presurgical levels. Discussion: Open proximal hamstring repairs produce reliable results. The open technique is advantageous for its ease of tendon mobilization, direct visualization, and suture passage. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Degree of Tendon Retraction and Younger Age Are Associated With Functional Decline Following Nonoperative Management of Complete Proximal Hamstring Ruptures

To characterize functional outcomes of patients with complete proximal hamstring tendon ruptures who were treated nonoperatively and determine whether there are patient characteristics associated with unfavorable outcomes. We retrospectively identified patients aged 18-80 (treated 1/2000-12/2019) who received nonoperative management of complete rupture of the hamstring tendon origin. Participants completed the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), as well as Tegner Activity Scale (TAS), and a chart review was conducted to obtain demographic and medical information. Preinjury and postinjury TAS scores were compared, and additional models quantified associations between LEFS scores or changes in TAS scores (ΔTAS) and patient characteristics. Twenty-eight subjects (mean age: 61.5 ± 1.5 years; 10 male) were included. The mean follow-up time was 5.8 ± 0.8 years (range: 2-22 years). Mean preinjury and postinjury TAS scores were 5.3 ± 0.4 and 3.7 ± 0.4, respectively, with a change of 1.5 ± 0.3 (P= .0002). Degree of tendon retraction showed a negative correlation with LEFS score (P= .003) and ΔTAS (P= .005). Increased follow-up time (P= .015) and body mass index (P= .018) were associated with lower LEFS scores. Moreover, increased follow-up time (P= .002) and younger age at injury (P= .035) were associated with more negative ΔTAS. Patients classified with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 2 had a median LEFS score that was 20 points (95% CI: 6.9-33.6) lower than those classified as ASA 1 (P= .015). In this study, we found that increased degree of tendon retraction, increased follow-up time, and younger age at initial injury were associated with significantly worse self-reported functional outcomes. Level IV, prognostic case series.

Proximal Hamstring Ruptures: Treatment, Rehabilitation, and Return to Play

To assess the current literature surrounding the treatment and rehabilitation strategies surrounding proximal hamstring rupture injuries, along with comparative return to sport and patient-reported outcomes. A high degree of variability exists in protective and rehabilitation strategies after both operative and non-operative proximal hamstring rupture management. Acceptable outcomes after both operative and non-operative management have been observed but may vary greatly with injury chronicity, severity, and surgical technique. The high complication rates observed after surgical treatment, along with poor functional outcomes that may occur in the setting of non-operative treatment or delayed surgery, highlight the importance of early injury evaluation and careful patient selection. Further high-quality research elucidating clearer indications for early operative management and an optimized and standardized rehabilitation protocols may improve outcomes and return to sport experience and metrics for individuals sustaining proximal hamstring ruptures.

Modified surgical anchor refixation in older patients with acute proximal hamstring rupture: clinical outcome, patient satisfaction and muscle strength

IntroductionAfter conventional surgical refixation of the hamstrings after proximal hamstring rupture, patients frequently experience pain while sitting and deficits in hamstring muscle strength of the operated side. To improve these outcomes, we have modified the surgical anchor placement and have carried out a thorough follow-up examination.Materials and methodsThirteen older patients (8 female, 5 males) with a median age of 64.2 (range, 52.1–80.4) years were surgically treated for acute proximal hamstring rupture using modified anchor placement and participated in a follow-up assessment at a median of 46.2 (11.2–75.0) months after surgery. Patients completed the Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool (PHAT), quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and rated their satisfaction level on a scale from 0 to 100%. Local tenderness on the ischial tuberosity and maximum passive hip flexion were measured on both limbs. Maximum isokinetic knee flexor muscle strength was measured bilaterally using a dynamometer.ResultsThe median (range) PHAT, EQ-5D-5L and LEFS score were 78.8/100 (54.6–99.8), 0.94/1 (0.83–1) and 88.75/100 (61.25–100). The median satisfaction was 100% (90–100%). Only one patient felt discomfort when the ischial tuberosity was palpated. Neither maximum passive hip flexion nor maximum isokinetic flexor muscle strength differed between the operated and non-operated side (P > 0.58). Clinical scores did not correlate with the leg symmetry index of knee flexor muscle strength (Spearman’s rho < 0.448, P > 0.125). There were no tendon re-ruptures, or postoperative sciatic radiculopathy, at the time of follow-up.ConclusionsThe modified extra-anatomical anchor placement resulted in good clinical and functional outcome of surgical repair of acute proximal hamstring rupture. Especially the absence of postoperative pain while sitting and the comparable muscle strength to the contralateral side is promising.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04867746, registered.

Poster 238: No Difference in Clinical Outcomes between Operative and Nonoperative Management of Minimally Retracted Proximal Hamstring Ruptures: A Matched Cohort Study

Objectives:The optimal treatment protocol for proximal hamstring ruptures, particularly when involving less than 3 cm of retraction, is not known. The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between patients who underwent operative or non-operative management of proximal hamstring ruptures.Methods:A retrospective review of the electronic medical record identified all patients who were treated operatively or non-operatively for a proximal hamstring rupture from 2013 to 2020. Patients were stratified into two groups which were matched based on demographics including age, gender, BMI, chronicity of the injury, tendon retraction, and injury grade (complete, or three tendons, versus partial, or one or two tendons). All patients completed a battery of PROs including the Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool (PHAT), Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS), Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS), and the Tegner Activity Scale. Patients from the non-surgical group were then case-matched in 2:1 fashion to their surgical counterparts.Results:Overall, 113 patients met inclusion criteria and were available for follow-up. Of the 113, 59 (52.2%) underwent primary hamstring tendon repair and 54 (47.8%) patients underwent non-operative treatment consisting of physical therapy. These 54 patients were case-matched to 28 surgically managed patients. When controlling for patient demographics, there were no differences in patient reported outcomes between non-operative and operative treatment of proximal hamstring in any validated outcome indicator (p > 0.05). Chronicity of the injury and older age correlated significantly to worse outcomes in both groups (p < 0.05).Conclusions:In patients with proximal hamstring ruptures with <3 cm of retraction, there was no difference in PRO scores between matched cohorts of operatively and non-operatively treated proximal hamstring avulsions

Increased time from injury to surgical repair in patients with proximal hamstring ruptures is associated with worse clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up.

Prior studies of hamstring tendon tears have reported varied findings on whether increased delay from injury to surgery is associated with worse outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether increased time from injury to surgical repair is associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with proximal hamstring ruptures. Patients who underwent surgical repair of a proximal hamstring rupture from 2010 to 2019 were followed for a minimum of 24months from surgery. A cutoff of 6weeks from injury to the time of surgery was used to distinguish between acute and chronic ruptures. All patients completed patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) at the final follow-up. Multiple factors were analyzed for their effects on PROs including time to surgery, amount of tendon retraction, and demographics such as sex and age. Complete data sets were obtained for 38 patients at a mean follow-up of 4.9years. All data is reported as a mean ± standard deviation. Patients who underwent acute repair of proximal hamstring ruptures had significantly greater Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool (PHAT) scores than those who underwent chronic repair (76.9 ± 18.8 vs 60.6 ± 18.2, p = 0.01). Increased time to surgery was significantly correlated with worse PHAT scores (ρ =-0.47, p = 0.003). There was no difference in PROs based on the amount of tendon retraction, number of tendons torn, sex, smoking status, or BMI. This study found that acute repair performed within 6weeks of injury appears to yield improved PROs compared to chronic repair. These data highlight the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis of proximal hamstring ruptures and early operative intervention for surgical candidates.

Evidence-Based Management and Factors Associated With Return to Play After Acute Hamstring Injury in Athletes: A Systematic Review.

Background:Considering the lengthy recovery and high recurrence risk after a hamstring injury, effective rehabilitation and accurate prognosis are fundamental to timely and safe return to play (RTP) for athletes.Purpose:To analyze methods of rehabilitation for acute proximal and muscular hamstring injuries and summarize prognostic factors associated with RTP.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:In August 2020, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SPORTDiscus were queried for studies examining management and factors affecting RTP after acute hamstring injury. Included were randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and case series appraising treatment effects on RTP, reinjury rate, strength, flexibility, hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio, or functional assessment, as well as studies associating clinical and magnetic resonance imaging factors with RTP. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for Randomized Trials or the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS).Results:Of 1289 identified articles, 75 were included. The comparative and noncomparative studies earned MINORS scores of 18.8 ± 1.3 and 11.4 ± 3.4, respectively, and 12 of the 17 randomized controlled trials exhibited low risk of bias. Collectively, studies of muscular injury included younger patients and a greater proportion of male athletes compared with studies of proximal injury. Surgery for proximal hamstring ruptures achieved superior outcomes to nonoperative treatment, whereas physiotherapy incorporating eccentric training, progressive agility, and trunk stabilization restored function and hastened RTP after muscular injuries. Platelet-rich plasma injection for muscular injury yielded inconsistent results. The following initial clinical findings were associated with delayed RTP: greater passive knee extension of the uninjured leg, greater knee extension peak torque angle, biceps femoris injury, greater pain at injury and initial examination, “popping” sound, bruising, and pain on resisted knee flexion. Imaging factors associated with delayed RTP included magnetic resonance imaging-positive injury, longer lesion relative to patient height, greater muscle/tendon involvement, complete central tendon or myotendinous junction rupture, and greater number of muscles injured.Conclusion:Surgery enabled earlier RTP and improved strength and flexibility for proximal hamstring injuries, while muscular injuries were effectively managed nonoperatively. Rehabilitation and athlete expectations may be managed by considering several suitable prognostic factors derived from initial clinical and imaging examination.

I heard it as much as I felt it: my experience of a complete proximal hamstring rupture

I heard it as much as I felt it when the accident happened. I was waterskiing for the first time in 20 years and lost my balance as I was...

Does Time From Injury to Surgery Affect Outcomes After Surgical Repair of Partial and Complete Proximal Hamstring Ruptures?

Background:No previous study has compared the outcomes of repair for partial and complete proximal hamstring ruptures at various intervals after the injury.Purpose:The primary aim was to determine whether time from injury to surgery affected outcomes after primary repair of partial and complete proximal hamstring ruptures. The secondary aim was to assess patients’ experiences from initial evaluation to finding a treating surgeon.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Records from 2007 to 2016 from a single surgeon’s practice were reviewed. A total of 124 proximal hamstring repair procedures in 121 patients were identified. There were 92 patients who completed questionnaires: a custom survey, the standard Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), a custom LEFS, the standard Marx activity scale, a custom Marx activity scale, and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score. Results were analyzed for partial and complete repair procedures performed at ≤3 weeks, ≤6 weeks, and >6 weeks after the injury.Results:The mean follow-up was 43 months (median, 38 months). Of 93 repair procedures reviewed, 51% (9/28 partial; 38/65 complete), 79% (16/28 partial; 57/65 complete), and 22% (12/28 partial; 8/65 complete) were performed at ≤3 weeks, ≤6 weeks, and >6 weeks, respectively. At those various intervals, no statistical difference was found in standard LEFS, custom LEFS, standard Marx, custom Marx, or UCLA scores. Female sex, older age, and body mass index >30 kg/m2 were negative predictors of outcome measures. When repaired >6 weeks after the injury, a greater percentage of patients reported weakness of the operative leg compared with the contralateral side (partial tears: 6.3% vs 25%, respectively; complete tears: 24.6% vs 50%, respectively) in addition to greater sitting intolerance (partial tears: 0% vs 25%, respectively; complete tears: 7.1% vs 12.5%, respectively). Patients repaired >6 weeks after the injury visited, on average, 2.6 practitioners before an evaluation by the treating surgeon compared with 1.6 treated surgically at ≤6 weeks (P = .008).Conclusion:Patients with proximal hamstring repair performed in the acute and chronic settings can expect successful outcomes but may experience more subjective weakness and difficulty with prolonged sitting when the repair is performed >6 weeks after the injury. Patients faced challenges in receiving the correct diagnosis and referral to an appropriate treating surgeon, emphasizing the need for an increased awareness of the injury.

Incidence of Deep Venous Thrombosis Associated With Proximal Hamstring Rupture.

Background:Rates of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) have been studied for most common orthopaedic injuries. However, rates and risk factors have not been published for proximal hamstring injuries.Purpose:To determine the incidence of symptomatic DVT associated with proximal hamstring rupture and associations with prophylactic anticoagulation.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Inclusion criteria included all complete and, in a separate cohort, partial proximal hamstring ruptures treated by the senior author from 2007 through 2018 with at least 8 weeks of follow-up. Tendinopathy without tear was excluded. No DVT screening was performed. Charts of patients with symptomatic DVT were reviewed for the treatment method, the presence of imaging-confirmed DVT or pulmonary embolism, and risk factors for DVT. No patients received postinjury DVT prophylaxis. Surgical patients were routinely instructed to take aspirin (325 mg bid) or apixaban (2.5 mg bid) for 4 weeks. Patients with risk factors for DVT received enoxaparin (40 mg daily) for 2 weeks followed by aspirin (325 mg bid) for 2 weeks.Results:A total of 144 complete proximal hamstring ruptures were included: 132 treated operatively and 12 treated nonoperatively. There were 10 DVTs associated with the injury, for an overall rate of 6.9%. Five of the DVTs were diagnosed preoperatively in patients who had not received DVT prophylaxis; the other 5 were diagnosed postoperatively in patients on DVT prophylaxis. Six of the 10 DVTs had identifiable risk factors. All patients with postoperatively diagnosed DVTs were on prophylactic aspirin or enoxaparin. In the partial proximal hamstring rupture cohort of 114 ruptures, there were no DVTs.Conclusion:There is a high incidence of DVT associated with complete proximal hamstring ruptures (6.9%) despite many patients receiving DVT prophylaxis. This is substantially higher than that in other lower extremity injuries. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for DVT after these injuries, and postinjury DVT prophylaxis may be warranted.

Functional Results and Outcomes After Repair of Partial Proximal Hamstring Avulsions at Midterm Follow-up

Background: Partial avulsions of the proximal hamstring origin remain a challenging problem with nonoperative treatments frequently providing limited success. The literature is limited regarding the outcomes of operative management in the active and athletic population. Hypothesis: Surgical fixation of proximal hamstring ruptures will have favorable outcomes at midterm follow-up. Study design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 64 patients with partial avulsions of the proximal hamstring origin treated with surgical fixation by a single surgeon were reviewed at a 2-year minimum follow-up. All patients had initially undergone failed nonoperative treatment. Patient-reported outcome scores on the Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), Marx Activity Rating Scale, custom LEFS and Marx scales, and total proximal hamstring score were evaluated. Data on patient-perceived strength, return to sport, and satisfaction were also collected. Results: The cohort included 27 male and 37 female (N = 64) patients with a mean age of 47.3 years (range, 16-65 years), and all were reviewed at a mean 6.5-year (range, 2-12.5 years) follow-up. The average postoperative LEFS was 96% (range, 68%-100%), with the custom LEFS being 90% (range, 39%-100%). The mean Marx score was 12.4 (range, 4-16). The Marx custom score demonstrated no disability with activities of daily living. The mean total proximal hamstring score was 94% (range, 69%-100%). No differences in any outcome measures were seen when comparing acute versus chronic repairs. Three patients underwent further hamstring surgery. No patients reported symptoms of numbness in the operative extremity at rest, while 3 patients had a superficial stitch abscess treated with antibiotics alone. The most commonly reported difficulty was with prolonged sitting. Ninety-seven percent were satisfied with surgery, 92% reported they could participate in strenuous activity, and 97% estimated their strength to be >75%, while 64% estimated it to be 100% of their contralateral side. Patients returned to sport at an average of 11.1 months, and all that returned were satisfied with their performance. Conclusion: Both early and delayed anatomic surgical repair of partial proximal hamstring avulsions leads to successful functional outcomes, a high rate of return to athletic activity, and low complication rates at the 6.5-year follow-up. Nonoperative treatments should first be attempted.

Portal Placement and Biomechanical Performance of Endoscopic Proximal Hamstring Repair

Background: Proximal hamstring tendon avulsions are debilitating and commonly cause pain, weakness, and functional limitations. Open surgical repair has been the standard, but improved endoscopic techniques have enabled proximal hamstring fixation with decreased risk of infection and numbness, without the morbidity of a large incision. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to (1) describe pertinent anatomy surrounding the proximal hamstring origin in relation to 4 endoscopic portal sites and (2) test for biomechanical differences between open and endoscopic repair. It was hypothesized that (1) endoscopic proximal hamstring repair is efficacious with respect to commonly used portals and (2) there is no biomechanical difference between open and endoscopic techniques. Study Design: Descriptive and controlled laboratory study. Methods: Proximal hamstring ruptures were simulated endoscopically in 10 fresh-frozen human cadaveric pelvis specimens. Endoscopic repair was then completed on 1 limb from each specimen through 4 portals. After repair, each specimen was dissected in layers and measurements from portal tracts to pertinent anatomy were obtained. Open repair was performed on all contralateral limbs, followed by cyclical biomechanical tensile testing to failure of both the open and endoscopically repaired hamstring tendons to assess failure load and local tissue strain. Results: On average, no portal tract was closer than 2.0 cm to the sciatic nerve or inferior gluteal neurovascular bundle. Anatomic landmarks were identified that could improve the reproducibility and safety of the procedure. Biomechanical testing revealed no differences between the open and endoscopic repair techniques for any measured parameter. Conclusion: This study supports the safety and efficacy of endoscopic proximal hamstring repair through anatomic and biomechanical analyses and helps establish reproducible and recognizable landmarks that define a safe working zone. Clinical Relevance: This study maps the anatomic landscape of the proximal hamstring as encountered endoscopically and demonstrates equivalent biomechanical strength of endoscopic proximal hamstring repair, supporting this technique’s safety and efficacy.

Practice patterns for the treatment of acute proximal hamstring ruptures

ABSTRACTObjective: Proximal ischial hamstring avulsion injuries are relatively uncommon. As such, the management of these injuries is often highly variable. Consensus agreement is lacking for the indications for repair, along with the operative technique, and post-operative rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to survey surgeons who treat proximal hamstring avulsion injuries to identify current trends in the management of this injury.Methods: After IRB approval, a 46-question cross-sectional survey was distributed using a secure electronic survey portal. The survey sought to determine surgeon experience, diagnostic preferences, treatment patterns, surgical indications/technique, perceived patient outcomes, surgical complications, as well as post-operative management and rehab protocols. Surveys were completed electronically and anonymously, with invitations distributed to members of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and Arthroscopy Association of Canada (AAC).Results: A total of 108 surgeons who manage proximal hamstring injuries completed the survey. Most respondents (77%) treat one to five of these injuries per year. MRI was the preferred imaging modality to confirm diagnosis. Despite 98% of respondents indicating that there was a role for surgical management of proximal hamstring avulsions, operative treatment was reportedly undertaken in only 50% of cases seen by each respondent. The top three reported surgical indications were: number of tendons involved (most important factor = 42%, second most = 26%, third most = 13%), amount of tendon retraction (28%, 41%, 16%), and patient activity level (16%, 18%, 24%).Conclusion: Based on the practice patterns of the surgeons who completed the survey, there is continued disparity in the management of proximal hamstring avulsions. A lack of agreement exists with regards to surgical indications, operative technique, and post-operative protocols. Most striking is the rate of non-operative treatment and perceived rate of poor outcomes within this cohort. Future research should focus on objective evaluation of non-operative management, and additional variables involved in surgical treatment and post-operative rehabilitation.

Evolution of isokinetic strength and return to sport after proximal hamstring rupture without surgical repair: a retrospective series of cases.

Evolution of isokinetic strength and return to sport after proximal hamstring rupture without surgical repair: a retrospective series of cases.

Hamstring Injuries: Risk Factors, Treatment, and Rehabilitation.

➤ The most predictive factor for hamstring injury is a previous hamstring injury.➤ Magnetic resonance imaging is the most useful study for determining the extent of the hamstring injury and whether surgical intervention is warranted.➤ Conservative treatment is indicated for acute hamstring strains, partial tears, and single-tendon avulsions.➤ Surgical repair of complete proximal hamstring ruptures, both acute and chronic, results in improved outcomes compared with nonoperative management.➤ Repair of acute proximal hamstring tendon tears results in better functional outcomes than repair of chronic tears.➤ Stretching and strengthening the hamstring tendons with eccentric exercise is useful for physical therapy after injury and may reduce the risk of reinjury.