Sustained long-term functional and patient-reported outcomes after complete proximal hamstring repair

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Proximal hamstring avulsions are severe injuries often requiring surgical intervention.
• Long-term functional outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after surgical repair are not well-established.
• Assessing strength recovery and complication rates is crucial for understanding surgical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate long-term functional outcomes after surgical repair of complete proximal hamstring avulsions.
• To assess patient-reported outcomes (PROs), strength recovery, and complication rates at a minimum 5-year follow-up.
• To determine the durability of surgical repair and its impact on return to sport.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients who underwent surgical repair of complete proximal hamstring tendon avulsions.
• Inclusion criteria: minimum 5-year follow-up, exclusion of bilateral injuries.
• Data collected: demographics, perioperative characteristics, PROs (iHOT-12, LEFS, VAS), isokinetic hamstring strength testing, hip range of motion (ROM), thigh circumference, and complications.

Main Results:

• 35 patients completed PRO surveys; 17 underwent physical exams at a mean 7.6-year follow-up.
• Mean isokinetic knee flexion torque deficit was 9.5%; thigh circumference deficit was <1.0%.
• Return to sport (RTS) rate was 78% with a mean satisfaction of 4.3/5; low complication rates observed.

Conclusions:

• Surgical repair of proximal hamstring avulsions provides durable long-term functional results.
• Minimal strength and circumference deficits are observed at long-term follow-up.
• High rates of return to sport and patient satisfaction are maintained, with low complication rates.