Proximal Hamstring Tear
What is a Proximal Hamstring Tear?
The hamstring muscles run along the back of the thigh, from the pelvis to the lower leg. They are involved in bending the knee and extending the hip, movements that are vital for many daily activities and sports.
A proximal hamstring tear is a severe injury where one or more of the three hamstring muscles are torn from their attachment point on the ischium bone at the bottom of the pelvis. The hamstring muscles play a vital role in walking, running, and jumping, so a tear can significantly impact mobility and athletic performance.
Serving the Detroit area, Dr. Ben Mayo, a fellowship-trained hip surgeon, provides patients with expert care and treatment options for proximal hamstring tears. With offices in Livonia and Sterling Heights, Dr. Mayo and his team are committed to helping you regain mobility and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to book your consultation.
Proximal hamstring tears most commonly occur during activities involving a sudden change in speed or direction, such as sprinting or jumping, or when the hamstring is stretched beyond its limit, such as during a ballet kick or water skiing fall. Middle-aged athletes and those with a history of hamstring injuries are at a higher risk.
At the time of the injury, individuals often feel a sudden, severe pain in the buttock or back of the thigh, and may even hear a “pop.” Subsequent symptoms can include:
- Bruising and swelling in the back of the thigh
- Pain when sitting or stretching the hamstring
- Difficulty walking or running without pain
- A depression or “divot” at the site of the tear
Partial proximal hamstring tears can sometimes heal on their own with rest, physical therapy, and a gradual return to activity. However, complete tears often require surgical intervention to reattach the torn hamstring to the pelvis.
The diagnosis of a proximal hamstring tear is typically based on a physical examination and imaging studies. An MRI is often used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the injury.
Initial treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with pain medication. Physical therapy can help regain strength and flexibility. For more severe or complete tears, surgery may be required to reattach the torn muscle.
Surgery is usually recommended for individuals with a complete tear or those whose jobs or athletic activities require strong hamstring function. Optimal outcomes are achieved when surgery is performed within a few weeks of the injury.
A large incision is made on the back of your leg. Once the torn tendon is found, small anchors are used to reattach the hamstring tendon to its original place on the ischium bone.
Proximal hamstring tears can be partial (Grade I or II), affecting only a portion of the muscle fibers, or complete (Grade III), where the tendon is completely torn from the bone.
Post-surgery recovery involves a period of rest, followed by a rehabilitation program designed to restore strength, flexibility, and function. Full recovery can take 6 months to a year.
Schedule a hip consultation
If you’re experiencing symptoms of or have been diagnosed with a proximal hamstring tear it’s essential to seek expert opinion from a fellowship trained hip surgeon such as Dr. Ben Mayo. As an expert in proximal hamstring repair, Dr. Mayo is pleased to offer state-of-the-art techniques to his patients in the Detroit area. Contact his office today to learn about how he can help you return to the activities you love. He treats athletes and patients of all ages at his offices in Sterling Heights and Livonia, and regularly sees patients from the surrounding communities such as Troy, Canton, Macomb, Farmington Hills, and Royal Oak. Please call or make an appointment online today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mayo.
At a Glance
Ben Mayo, MD
- Fellowship Trained Sports Surgeon
- Specializes in Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, & Knee Surgery
- Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters
- Learn more