Proximal hamstring tendon tear
What is it: one or more of the hamstring tendons tears off the bone in your buttock (ischial tuberosity).
Patient problems: pain in buttock after a forceful movement with the hip bent (flexed) and the knee straight (extended) at the same time. This may occur from a slip, kicking a football, falling during waterskiing or surfing. It is recommended that you seek a review with Dr McGonagle promptly as delays in diagnosis can make subsequent treatment more difficult.
Non-surgical treatment: Partial tears may be treated with a period of rest and gradual rehabilitation.
Proximal hamstring tendon repair
What to expect:
Before surgery: Dr McGonagle will take a history and examine you. An MRI scan will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the tear.
Benefits: decreased pain, improved strength
Risks: pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, stiffness, weakness, retear, nerve injury.
During surgery: You will have a general or spinal anaesthetic. You will have an ‘L’ shaped incision in your buttock crease and the torn tendon ends will be fixed to the bone in your buttock (ischial tuberosity) using surgical anchors
Anesthesia: General or spinal anaesthetic.
Duration in hospital: 1 night
After Surgery
You will mobilise with crutches
You will have a brace on your knee to keep it bent (flexed) for 6 weeks after surgery. This will help take the tension of the hamstring repair site. I recommend sitting as little as possible for the first 2 weeks after surgery, to minimize pressure on the wound. I recommend that you lie on your side or belly when resting for this period.
After 6 weeks brace and crutches are not required.
After 12 weeks gentle jogging and resistance exercises can be commenced.
After 6 months: full return to sports.