Proximal Hamstring Repair

Overview

When nonoperative measures are ineffective for proximal hamstring tears, surgery may be beneficial. This is usually done with the patient lying on their stomach. An incision is usually made in the gluteal crease overlying the hamstrings and pelvic bone. The sciatic nerve is identified just lateral to the pelvic bone and dissected from the surround tissue to keep it protected. Any scar tissue or hematoma (collection of blood) is removed. The torn portion of the hamstring tendons are then identified and freed of scar tissue to allow the tendons to mobilize back to the pelvic bone. Suture anchors are then placed in the bone  and the sutures passed through the torn tendon and tied down to secure the tendons back to their origin. In some cases, this procedure may be performed endoscopically rather than through an open approach.

Potential Implications:

Blood loss, infection, damage to blood vessels or nerves including the sciatic nerve, failure of repair, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and need for additional surgery.