Hamstring origin complex avulsion - British Athletics Classification grade 4c

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Injured left thigh tango dancing.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Female

Rupture of the proximal hamstring tendons from the common origin with a minimal tuft of insertional fibers at the biceps femoris/semitendinosus origin noted. Localized cortical ill definition at the common hamstring origin, suggestive of an associated cortical avulsion, however, no large osseous fragment is seen.

Large defect measuring approximately 7 cm with redundancy and retraction of the torn semitendinosis and biceps femoris tendons. Bull nosing of the long head of biceps femoris myotendinous junction - best seen on the sagittal imaging.

Rupture of the semimembranosus component with retraction and redundancy of the proximal tendon and a defect that measures approximately 5 cm craniocaudally.

Extensive feathering edema is seen within the hamstring muscle bellies more distally. Further feathering edema along the adductor muscle group and distal quadriceps muscle group. 

Associated fascial plane fluid with loculated organizing hematoma lying between the adductor muscle group and hamstring muscle group. This extends over approximately 18 cm craniocaudally.

Extensive subcutaneous edema/ichimosis noted at the posterior, medial and lateral aspect of the thigh.

Sciatic perineural edema most notable at the proximal and mid-thigh.

Case Discussion

MRI demonstrates complete rupture of the common hamstring tendon proximally, at its origin. Hematoma in the defect, which measures up to 7 cm craniocaudally. Retraction and redundancy of the torn fibers. British Athletics Classification grade 4c.

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