Partial semitendinosus tendon tear in a young athlete: a case report and review of the distal semitendinosus anatomy

Abstract

Distal semitendinosus tears have been infrequently reported in the radiology literature, and a detailed description of the anatomy and imaging features of these injuries is lacking. The semitendinosus tendon is clinically relevant, as it is frequently grafted in knee ligament reconstructions and plays an important role in performing competitive activities. We present a case of a 31-year-old man who developed a partial semitendinosus tear during competitive training. This case highlights the common clinical and imaging findings found with distal semitendinosus tears, and explores the various modalities available to treat this injury. We also review the clinically pertinent anatomy of the distal semitendinosus tendon and discuss the pitfalls that musculoskeletal radiologists may encounter, to avoid misdiagnosing these rare injuries.

Soft tissue pseudotumours: a pictorial review with emphasis on MRI

“…On the other hand, mucoid degeneration with poor healing response and without an associated frank inflammatory process is evident in chronic forms 11,12,14,15 . MRI features include thickening of the tendon and signal alterations both on T1-weighted and T2-weighted sequences in the acute-subacute phase 18 .…”

“…Spontaneous rupture has also been described in patients with underlying predisposing metabolic disorders such as chronic renal failure, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes, gout and systemic lupus erythematosus 11,12,14,15 . The rupture typically occurs near the musculotendinous junction, and MRI can help in identifying and categorizing it as partial or complete tear 16 , thus influencing the prognosis, because a delay in surgical reconstruction is believed to adversely affect outcome 11,12,14,15 . Furthermore, in neglected cases or when clinical history is not clear, tendon tears may be mistaken clinically as soft tissue masses, and MRI nicely depicts the tendon tear, reassuring the patient and the referring physician (Fig.…”

“…Tendinopathy is common especially in young active patients involved in sports 11,12,14,15 . Tendon thickening, peritendinous oedema and pain may be mistaken as a soft tissue or tendon related tumour.…”

“…thy is the result of repetitive microtrauma, and is characterized by inflammatory changes 11,12,14,15 . On the other hand, mucoid degeneration with poor healing response and without an associated frank inflammatory process is evident in chronic forms 11,12,14,15 .…”

“…Tendon tears usually occur after an eccentric muscle contraction 11,12,14,15 . Spontaneous rupture has also been described in patients with underlying predisposing metabolic disorders such as chronic renal failure, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes, gout and systemic lupus erythematosus 11,12,14,15 .…”