Surgical repair of complete proximal hamstring tendon rupture.

BACKGROUND

Complete proximal hamstring tendon rupture is a rare injury associated with significant functional loss. Nonoperative treatment has proven inadequate in returning patients to their previous activity level.

PURPOSE

We wanted to describe the outcome of primary surgical repair of the proximal hamstring tendon avulsion.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Between 1994 and 1999, 11 patients (4 women and 7 men) with an average age of 41.5 years (range, 21 to 51) had a diagnosis of complete proximal hamstring tendon rupture based on mechanism of injury, physical examination, and radiographic assessment. All underwent a single operation followed by standard postoperative physical therapy. At the latest follow-up (average, 34 months), patients completed a questionnaire regarding such outcome parameters as pain, function, leg control, stiffness, return to activity, and overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

Isokinetic muscle testing revealed an overall average of 91%return of hamstring muscle strength. Ten of 11 patients were satisfied with the result, and 7 of 9 athletically active patients were able to return to sport an average of 6 months (range, 3 to 10) after surgery. No difference between early and late repairs was identified in regard to functional outcome or return to sport.

CONCLUSIONS

Satisfactory results can be achieved with both early and late hamstring tendon repairs in a majority of cases with surgical repair.