Rj. Alioto et al., COMPLETE RUPTURE OF THE DISTAL SEMIMEMBRANOSUS COMPLEX IN A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE, Clinical orthopaedics and related research, (336), 1997, pp. 162-165
Complete ruptures of the distal hamstring tendons rarely cause functio
nal disability significant enough to warrant surgical intervention. Is
olated ruptures of the distal semimembranosus tendon complex have not
been reported previously in the literature. A case of a complete ruptu
re of the distal semimembranosus tendon complex occurring in a profess
ional football player with resultant functional disability is reported
here, The magnetic resonance imaging scan was essential for an accura
te diagnosis. Subsequent surgical repair and postoperative rehabilitat
ion is described. Strict attention to recreating the multiple attachme
nts of the semimembranosus tendon complex is recommended.