What is a proximal hamstring tear?
The hamstrings are a group of four muscles on the back (posterior) part of the thigh (femur), which are important for hip extension and knee flexion. The three muscles include the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and the biceps femoris. Proximal hamstring tears involve tearing of one or more of the hamstring tendons from their attachment to the ischial tuberosity (“sitz or sit bone”), located deep in the gluteal fold. Orthopedic hip and sports medicine specialist Dr. Austin Chen specializes in treating proximal hamstring tears for the community of the greater Boulder, Colorado area.
What are the causes of proximal hamstring tears?
Proximal hamstring tears are among the most common sports-related injuries. Injuries to the hamstring are generally acute in nature; more common in athletes involved in soccer, baseball and gymnastics. The proximal hamstring tendon either gets injured through progressive stretch or more commonly by powerful eccentric contraction when the hip is suddenly and forcefully flexed over an extended knee. In younger patients with normal proximal tendon this occurs with sprinting or hurdling but the classic group affected are water skiers who fall forward with an extended knee. This is generally a high energy injury. In the older population, proximal hamstring injuries occur with lower velocity trauma such as slipping on a wet surface or doing the “splits” inadvertently.
What are the symptoms of a proximal hamstring tear?
Proximal hamstring tears cause acute, sharp pain in the posterior thigh, which can be accompanied by an audible pop sound during activity. This is typically followed by significant swelling and bruising in the thigh. They may cause persistent pain located in the gluteal fold or buttock with prolonged sitting. They may also cause weakness and limping.
What are the treatment options for a proximal hamstring tear?
For chronic hamstring tears, physical therapy and injections may provide relief. In acute and traumatic, high-grade (involvement of two or three of the muscles) injuries, Dr. Chen will most likely recommend surgery.
