Ultrasound Features of the Proximal Hamstring Muscle-Tendon-Bone Unit

Abstract

The hamstring muscle complex is made by a group of posterior biarticular thigh muscles, originating at the ischial tuberosity, which extend the hip and flex the knee joint. Proximal hamstring injuries are frequent among athletes, commonly involving their long myotendinous junction during an eccentric contraction. In this pictorial essay, we describe the ultrasound technique to visualize the normal anatomy of the proximal hamstring muscle-tendon-bone complex and present ultrasound findings in patients with traumatic injuries and tendinopathies.

Keywords: athlete injury; biceps femoris; hamstring; musculoskeletal; myotendinous injury; tendinopathy; thigh muscles; ultrasound.