Specialized Hip Care in Colorado Springs

Proximal Hamstring Repair

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group

Your hips support your body and help you walk, move, exercise, and perform everyday activities. Hip pain can develop from an injury, overuse, arthritis, or other conditions and may gradually limit your mobility and quality of life.

CSOG provides comprehensive care for a wide range of hip conditions, from sports injuries and tendon problems to arthritis, fractures, and degenerative joint conditions. Treatment may include physical therapy, medications, injections, activity modification, minimally invasive procedures, or hip replacement when appropriate.

Our specialists focus on finding the underlying cause of your symptoms and determining the most appropriate treatment for your needs. Whether you require nonsurgical care or advanced surgical treatment, our goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.

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What is Proximal Hamstring Repair?

The hamstring muscles are a group of three muscles at the back of the thigh that help with hip extension and knee flexion. Proximal hamstring repair is a surgical procedure performed to reattach torn hamstring tendons at their origin on the ischial tuberosity (the "sit bone" of the pelvis). This type of injury often occurs due to sudden forceful hip flexion combined with knee extension, such as during sprinting, water skiing, or slipping.

What are the Indications for Proximal Hamstring Repair?

Proximal hamstring repair is usually indicated in situations where the hamstring tendon injury is severe and unlikely to heal well without surgery. These typically are:

• Complete avulsion of one or more hamstring tendons from the ischial tuberosity (pelvic bone).
• Significant partial tears that cause persistent pain or weakness.
• Failure of non-surgical treatment (physical therapy, rest, injections) with ongoing pain or functional limitation.
• Loss of strength or function affecting walking, running, or sports performance.
• Active patients or athletes who require strong hamstring function for return to activity.

What Does the Procedure for Proximal Hamstring Repair Involve?

The procedure for proximal hamstring repair involves reattaching the torn tendon(s) back to the bone at the pelvis. In general, the procedure involves the following steps:

• The patient is placed under general or regional anesthesia.
• A cut is made in the buttock crease near the ischial tuberosity to access the torn tendon.
• The surgeon locates the retracted hamstring tendons and clears away scar tissue.
• The ischial tuberosity (pelvic bone) is prepared for tendon reattachment.
• Strong sutures with anchors are used to secure the tendon(s) back to the bone at the correct tension.
• The incision is closed with sutures, and the area is dressed.

What Happens After Proximal Hamstring Repair?

After the surgery, the leg is often placed in a brace to limit hip flexion and knee extension, and weight-bearing may be restricted with crutches for several weeks. Pain and swelling are managed with medications, ice, and elevation. Physical therapy typically begins early with gentle range-of-motion and core exercises, progressing to strengthening and flexibility training over time. Return to running, sports, or strenuous activities is gradual and usually takes several months, with close monitoring by the surgeon and therapist to ensure proper healing and prevent re-injury.

What are the Risks and Complications of Proximal Hamstring Repair?

Risks and complications of proximal hamstring repair may include:

• Infection at the surgical site
• Nerve injury
• Re-rupture or incomplete healing
• Infection or wound complications
• Persistent pain, weakness, or stiffness
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
• Risks related to anesthesia