[Avulsion of the hamstring muscles].

BACKGROUND

Avulsion injuries of the proximal hamstring muscles are rare but very severe injuries to the dorsal thigh musculature.

OBJECTIVE

Due to improved diagnostics and experience in treatment, the decision for surgical treatment is becoming more and more frequent. Presentation of the surgical method, follow-up treatment and outcome.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Description of the anatomy, origin, diagnostics and treatment of avulsions of the hamstring musculature.

RESULTS

Due to improvement of knowledge and diagnostics, avulsion injuries of the hamstring muscles are identified more frequently. The rapid expansion of the diagnostics, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is decisive for a better identification of the extent and severity of the injury. Even if the differences in long-term results between surgical and conservative treatment are not significant in the literature, there is a clear improvement in function and resilience after surgical treatment of avulsion injuries of the hamstring muscles.

CONCLUSION

In view of the poor results of nonsurgical treatment and the clearly positive reports of surgical success, open refixation is recommended for recent proximal hamstring ruptures.