The direct muscular origin of the semitendinosus: a pitfall in categorization of proximal hamstring tendon tears

The ischial origin of the hamstring musculature is complex. While the conjoint tendon and semimembranosus are commonly discussed and understood by radiologists, there is a lesser-known origin of the semitendinosus along the inferior and medial surface of the ischium in the form of a broad direct muscular connection. This secondary origin is infrequently described in the radiology literature and is a potential pitfall during grading of semitendinosus injuries if the interpreting physician is unaware of its presence. In a proximal hamstring tendon tear, the direct muscular origin of the semitendinosus can be spared, torn along with the conjoint tendon, or remain intact and contribute to a vertical shearing injury of the semitendinosus myotendinous junction. Detailed knowledge of this anatomy and its imaging appearance in the setting of injury enables the reader to correctly diagnose these unique hamstring injuries.