Prospective longitudinal cohort study identifies MRI tendon retraction distance linked to neurologic injury in athletes, suggesting evaluation may enhance treatment outcomes.
Key Points
This research aims to define the relationship between tendon retraction distance measured by MRI and neurotrauma confirmed by EMG in proximal hamstring avulsion injuries.
Conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study involving 18 patients with complete proximal hamstring avulsion undergoing surgical repair.
Utilized electromyography (EMG) and MRI for assessments both preoperatively and postoperatively over 12 months.
Recorded tendon retraction distance, muscle and sciatic nerve MRI characteristics, and EMG evidence of denervation.
28% of patients showed preoperative nerve injuries, while 23% of those without denervation sustained iatrogenic injuries post-surgery.
Increased tendon retraction distance was significantly linked to more severe EMG abnormalities in hamstring muscles.
Identified a 5-cm threshold of tendon retraction associated with a significantly increased risk of neurotrauma.