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Functional Anatomy of the Hamstrings

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Proximal Hamstring Tears

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Abstract

The hamstrings are found in the posterior region of the thigh and consist of the semimembranosus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris muscles. These muscles are generally responsible for extension of the hip and flexion of the knee, although they also provide individual contributions to movement and stability of the lower limb. Injury to the hamstrings typically occurs during eccentric contraction, leading to tears in the musculotendinous junction or avulsions from the ischial tuberosity. These injuries cause significant morbidity and can be commonly seen in the context of sprinting and waterskiing, as well as accidental slips and falls. Proper treatment of conditions affecting the hamstrings requires a thorough understanding of the muscular anatomy as well as the local innervation patterns and adjacent skeletal structures.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Lawrence J. Lin

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA

    Robert J. Meislin

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  1. Lawrence J. Lin
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  2. Robert J. Meislin
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Correspondence to Robert J. Meislin .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, New York, NY, USA

    Thomas Youm

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Lin, L.J., Meislin, R.J. (2021). Functional Anatomy of the Hamstrings. In: Youm, T. (eds) Proximal Hamstring Tears. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56025-6_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56025-6_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-56024-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-56025-6

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