title: Total proximal hamstring ruptures: clinical and MRI aspects including guidelines for postoperative rehabilitation.
abstract: The aim of this article is to provide a state-of-the-art review for treatment of acute, total proximal hamstring tendon ruptures. For total proximal hamstring tendon ruptures, early (<2-3 w) surgical refixation minimizes muscle atrophy and facilitates a somewhat predictable time course for healing and rehabilitation. A postoperative rehabilitation program is detailed that has been used by one physical therapist for the past 7 years on over 200 patients with surgical repair for total proximal hamstring tendon rupture. One re-rupture has occurred, 7 months after surgery, following the rehabilitation program described herein. The rehabilitation program, including avoidance of postoperative bracing, appears effective for total proximal hamstring ruptures. Early surgery together with a specific rehabilitation program appears to be the treatment of choice for timely and safe return to sport and an active lifestyle.                 Level of evidence V.
authors.affiliation: The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden. carl.askling@ihs.se
authors.forename: Carl M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Askling
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Koulouris
authors.forename: Tönu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Saartok
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Werner
authors.forename: Thomas M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Best
mesh_terms: D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012421:Rupture; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D013848:Thigh / Q000293:injuries*