Semimembranosus tendon injury - partial tear

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Past history of hamstring tendinopathy. Acute injury during deadlifting.

Patient Data

Age: 55 years
Gender: Female

Focal fluid signal identified at the semimembranosus origin. More diffuse intermediate/increased T2 signal is present at the common hamstring origin extending caudally around the semimembranosus proximal free tendon.

No further hamstring injury is identified.

Case Discussion

Common hamstring origin tendinopathy with focal partial-thickness semimembranosus tear extending into the proximal free tendon portion.

Deadlifting is a weightlifting exercise that involves lifting a weighted barbell from the ground to the level of the hips - typically the knees are extended and hips flexed during the "drive" off the ground, which may result in excessive lengthening - semimembranosus origin injuries are the classical excessive lengthening injuries. 

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