Outcomes of Open and Endoscopic Repairs of Chronic Partial- and Full-Thickness Proximal Hamstring Tendon Tears: A Multicenter Study With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

Abstract

Background: The preponderance of literature on the repair of proximal hamstring tendon tears focuses on the acute phase (<4 weeks). As such, there is a paucity of data reporting on the outcomes of chronic proximal hamstring tears. Purpose: To report minimum 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and patient satisfaction from patients who underwent open or endoscopic repair of partial- and full-thickness chronic proximal hamstring tendon tears. Study Design: Case series study; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between April 2002 and May 2017, prospectively collected data from 3 tertiary care institutions were retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent open and endoscopic repair of partial- and full-thickness chronic proximal hamstring tendon tears. Patients were included only if they had a chronic proximal hamstring tear (defined as ≥4 weeks from symptom onset to surgery). Patients were excluded if they had a tear treated <4 weeks after injury, underwent hamstring reconstruction, or claimed workers’ compensation. Patients who reported minimum 2-year follow-up for VAS, patient satisfaction, and the following PROs had their outcomes analyzed: the modified Hip Harris Score, Non-arthritic Hip Score, iHOT-12 (International Hip Outcome Tool), and Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale. Results: Fifty patients (34 females and 16 males) were included in this study. There were 19 endoscopic repairs and 31 open repairs. Within the cohort, 52.0% had a full-thickness tendon tear on magnetic resonance imaging, and 48.0% had a partial tear. Average follow-up time was 58.07 ± 37.27 months (mean ± SD; range, 24-220 months). The mean age and body mass index of the group were 46.13 ± 13 years and 25.43 ± 5.14. The average time from injury to surgery was 66.73 weeks (range, 5.14-215.14 weeks). Average postoperative PROs were as follows: modified Hip Harris Score, 91.94 ± 9.96; Non-arthritic Hip Score, 91.33 ± 9.99; iHOT-12, 87.17 ± 17.54; Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale, 87.15 ± 18.10; and VAS, 1.16 ± 1.92. Patient satisfaction was 8.22 ± 1.20. Conclusion: Patients who underwent open and endoscopic repairs for chronic partial- and full-thickness proximal hamstring tendon tears reported high PROs and satisfaction at a minimum 2-year follow-up with low rates of complications.

“Scopen” Scope to Open Hamstring Repair

“…In a sample of 20 hips, Kurowicki et al 3 report a statistically significant improvement in modified Harris hip scores, UCLA activity score, and visual analog scale pain score an average one year postoperative. Maldonado et al 5 report similar improvements in functional outcome scores at a minimum 2 years of postoperative follow-up. While results have been reported for open and endoscopic repairs in isolation, there has been no prior outcomes studies on the combined “Scopen” technique.…”

Deep Gluteal Pain in Orthopaedics: A Challenging Diagnosis

“…A recent multicenter study with minimum 2-year follow-up found high PROs and patient satisfaction after either open or endoscopic proximal hamstring repair. 39 (Figure 8).…”

Editorial Commentary: Subgluteal Hip Arthroscopy for Sciatic Nerve Entrapment, Ischiofemoral Impingement, or Proximal Hamstring Tears: Beyond the Comfort Zone

“…9 In a multicenter study, we reported only one complication following 19 endoscopic proximal hamstring repairs. 10 When addressing proximal hamstring tears endoscopically, particularly in the initial phase of the learning curve, my attention was centered on the sciatic nerve leaving the PFCN in an underserved second plane. Aguilera-Bohórquez et al demonstrated that the incidence of permanent nerve lesion was more frequent for the PFCN; therefore, attention to this structure must be prioritized.…”