TRAUMA-HAMSTRING STRAIN

SUMMARY

1. Commonly occur with forceful eccentric contraction of the hamstring muscles, especially when the muscle is at a mechanical disadvantage near full flexion or full extension.

2. Can be reproduced by passive stretch of the muscle, resistance testing of the muscle, direct palpation of the injured area.

3. Severe hamstring strain will produce visible ecchymosis at and distal to the site of injury.

4. Management: rest (6 weeks if severe), ice, analgesia, gentle ROM & strengthening exercises.

5. Complications: ischial avulsion fracture is common in 15-25 yrs of age. May require surgery if very displaced, non-union occurs or in high-performance athletes.

Reference(s)

Wilkinson, I., Furmedge, D. and Sinharay, R. (2017). Oxford handbook of clinical medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Get it on Amazon.
Feather, A., Randall, D. and Waterhouse, M. (2020). Kumar And Clark’s Clinical Medicine. 10th ed. S.L.: Elsevier Health Sciences. Get it on Amazon.
Hannaman, R. A., Bullock, L., Hatchell, C. A., & Yoffe, M. (2016). Internal medicine review core curriculum, 2017-2018. CO Springs, CO: MedStudy.
Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. https://www.tg.org.au [Accessed 2021].