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Early intervention for proximal hamstring avulsion associated with good clinical outcomes
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Although early intervention of proximal hamstring avulsions was associated with good clinical outcomes and a quicker return to sport, a delayed diagnosis can lead to prolonged morbidity and an increased likelihood of complications, according to researchers.
The researchers divided 112 athletes with complete proximal avulsion injuries, 63 of whom were high-level athletes, into subgroups based on the time at which they received surgical intervention. Patients received either early intervention (within 6 weeks), delayed intervention (within 6 weeks to 6 months) and late intervention (after 6 months). The researchers surgically explored and repaired all patients with the aim of comparing the timing between each group and the return to preinjury sport.
Results showed 96.4% of patients returned to sport, with an average time of return-to-play of 16 weeks for the early intervention group, which was 9 weeks faster than the delayed group and 13 weeks faster than the late group. Two athletes in the delayed intervention group retired from competitive sport after partial reruptures but were still recreationally active. The researchers also found two other athletes retired from playing at all levels even though they had recovered well.
Overall, two athletes in the intervention group, five in the delayed group and five in the late group were delayed by local nerve symptoms, but only two cases required further exploration, according to the researchers. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: Subbu reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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