Surgical Repair of Distal Musculotendinous T Junction Injuries of the Biceps Femoris

Abstract

Background:

Nonoperative management of injuries to the distal musculotendinous T junction of the biceps femoris is associated with variable periods of rehabilitation and high risk of recurrence. To our knowledge, the efficacy of operative treatment in patients with these acute injuries has not been previously reported.

Hypothesis:

Surgical repair of injuries to the distal musculotendinous T junction of the biceps femoris would enable return to preinjury level of sport with low risk of recurrence.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This prospective single-surgeon study included 34 professional athletes (mean age, 26.4 ± 3.1 years; 31 male [91.2%]; 3 female [8.8%]; body mass index, 25 ± 2.0 kg/m²) undergoing primary surgical repair of acute injuries to the distal musculotendinous T junction of the biceps femoris. All study patients underwent a standardized postoperative rehabilitation program. Predefined study outcomes relating to time for return to sporting activity, patient satisfaction, range of motion, hamstring muscle strength, passive range of motion, functional progress, and complications were recorded at regular intervals after surgery. Mean follow-up time was 28.4 months (range, 24.0-36.3 months) from date of surgery.

Results:

All study patients returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity. Mean time from surgical repair to full sporting activity was 11.7 ± 3.6 weeks. No patients had recurrence of the primary injury. At 1-year follow-up, 18 patients (52.9%) were very satisfied and 16 patients (47.1%) were satisfied with the outcomes of their surgery. At 3 months after surgery, patients had improved mean passive straight leg raise (69.7° ± 11.7° vs 24.1° ± 7.4°; P < .001); increased mean isometric hamstring muscle strength at 0° (93.1% ± 5.4% vs 63.1% ± 7.7%; P < .001), 45° (76.8% ± 9.7% vs 24.8% ± 8.3%; P < .001), and 90° (96.4% ± 3.9% vs 85.6% ± 5.9%; P < .001); higher mean lower extremity functional scores (64.5 ± 4.5 vs 27.2 ± 5.4; P < .001); and improved mean Marx Activity Rating Scale scores (10.7 ± 2.7 vs 2.2 ± 2.1; P < .001) compared with preoperative values. High patient satisfaction and functional outcome scores were maintained at 1 and 2 years after surgery.

Conclusion:

Surgical repair of acute injuries to the distal musculotendinous T junction of the biceps femoris is associated with high patient satisfaction, increased muscle strength, improved functional outcome scores, and high return to preinjury level of sporting activity with low risk of recurrence at short-term follow-up.