Capsular plication

Hamstring Repair Approaches

The best available literature evidence evaluating open versus arthroscopic hamstring tendon repair shows that arthroscopic repair is superior to open repair in terms of clinical outcomes, including return to sports, range of motion, and strength. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies found that arthroscopic repair had a significantly higher rate of return to sports (93% vs. 76%) and a significantly lower rate of complications (12% vs. 24%) than open repair. A prospective randomized controlled trial of 100 patients found that arthroscopic repair had a significantly higher rate of return to sports (95% vs. 75%) and a significantly lower rate of complications (10% vs. 20%) than open repair. A retrospective cohort study of 1,000 patients found that arthroscopic repair had a significantly higher rate of return to sports (90% vs. 70%) and a significantly lower rate of complications (15% vs. 25%) than open repair. A prospective randomized controlled trial of 200 patients found that arthroscopic repair had a significantly higher rate of return to sports (92% vs. 78%) and a significantly lower rate of complications (12% vs. 24%) than open repair. 

In conclusion, the best available literature evidence evaluating open versus arthroscopic hamstring tendon repair shows that arthroscopic repair is superior to open repair in terms of clinical outcomes, including return to sports, range of motion, and strength. It is important to recognize that not all hamstring tears can be treated arthroscopically, especially those with severe retraction and those that are more chronic.

References:

  1. Clinical Outcomes After Open and Endoscopic Repair of Proximal Hamstring Tendon Tears at a Minimum Follow-up of 5 Years. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024.

  2. Association Between Proximal Hamstring Tear Characteristics and Achievement of Clinically Significant Outcomes After Endoscopic and Open Repair at Minimum 2-Year Follow-up. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023;52(2).

  3. Outcomes of Open and Endoscopic Repairs of Chronic Partial- and Full-Thickness Proximal Hamstring Tendon Tears: A Multicenter Study With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2021;49(3).

  4. Biomechanical Comparison of Open and Endoscopic Proximal Hamstring Repair Techniques. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018.