Proximal Hamstring Repair

Description

Rupture of the proximal hamstring tendon is a rare injury and often caused by a traumatic incident. A complete rupture, meaning the tendon is entirely pulled from the bone, can be treated with conservative treatment which includes rehabilitation (physical therapy) or surgical intervention. Depending on the intensity of the injury, and individual patient lifestyles, the physician may recommend one treatment option over the other. Patients treated non-operatively can do relatively well in the appropriate setting. However, these patients may continue to experience a decrease in strength and function in the hamstring after this type of injury. Patients wishing to return to high level of physical activity generally require surgery. It is recommended that surgery take place within the first three weeks after the injury if possible, before scar tissue develops around the retracted tendon.Surgery is done through a 3-5 inch open incision along the crease of the buttock. Next the damaged hamstring tendon is located and any frayed or damaged tissue is removed. Once a clean edge of healthy tendon is achieved, it is secured using strong suture back to its insertion on the ischial tuberosity of the pelvis. The sutures can withhold some force but the outcome of the surgery is dependent on your body’s ability to heal the tendon back down to the bone. This usually takes about 12 weeks.