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Proximal Hamstring Injuries: Management of Tendinopathy and Avulsion Injuries

  • Outcomes Research in Orthopedics (O Ayeni, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To outline the typical presentation, physical examination, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic treatment options for proximal hamstring injuries to improve awareness, expedient diagnosis, and definitive management.

Recent Findings

Proximal hamstring tendinopathy and partial-thickness tears can often successfully be managed with a combination of non-operative modalities, including physiotherapy focused on eccentric strengthening, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or peri-tendinous injections. Surgery is reserved for refractory cases, but can yield good outcomes. Contrastingly, non-operative treatment often leads to unsatisfactory outcomes in complete ruptures, with residual weakness and reduced function with poor return-to-sport rates. Instead, surgical repair can provide satisfactory outcomes, with good-to-excellent functional outcomes and strength, with acute treatment preferred over delayed, chronic repair.

Summary

Hamstring tendinopathy and partial-thickness tears can be successfully treated non-operatively with good functional outcomes, with surgical repair reserved for refractory cases. Complete tears are best managed with surgical repair, allowing improved strength and functional outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, 3M Centre, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada

    Ryan M. Degen

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  1. Ryan M. Degen
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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Outcomes Research in Orthopedics

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Degen, R.M. Proximal Hamstring Injuries: Management of Tendinopathy and Avulsion Injuries. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 12, 138–146 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-019-09541-x

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