Abstract
While uncommon, proximal hamstring injuries can result in significant pain and dysfunction,
while also posing considerable treatment dilemmas due to the spectrum of injury that
exists. Recent literature suggests that outcomes are improved with acute surgical
repair of complete proximal hamstring avulsions, highlighting the importance of timely
management of these unique injuries. While chronic repair or reconstruction can result
in predictable improvements in pain and function postoperatively, the results are
less predictable than acute surgical repair. Nonoperative management should be considered
as the initial treatment strategy for patients with proximal hamstring tendinopathy
or partial tears, as delayed surgical intervention in this setting has not been shown
to significantly affect outcomes. Although current evidence is limited, evolving therapeutic
techniques, including biologic injections and endoscopic repair techniques, need to
be carefully evaluated to determine their role moving forward. This review aims to
provide updated information on the relevant anatomy, mechanism of injury, diagnosis,
and management of proximal hamstring injuries, with a specific focus on surgical indications,
techniques, and outcomes.
Keywords
proximal hamstring injury - proximal hamstring tear - proximal hamstring avulsion
- proximal hamstring tendinopathy - hamstring repair
