Clinical Evaluation of the Hamstring Muscles

Courtesy: Prof Nabil Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA

 

Three Hamstring muscles

1. Biceps femoris
2. Semitendinosus
3. Semimembranosus

Biceps femoris:-
Long head:
Origin- ischium
Insertion- fibular head

Short head:
Origin- femur
Insertion- along with long head laterally on the fibula

Semitendinosus:-
Origin- common origin with biceps femoris muscle, then separated from the Biceps femoris as it descends medially, and long head of Biceps femoris descends laterally.

Semimembranosus:-
Origin- ischial tuberosity
Insertion- proximal tibia medially next to the insertion of semitendinosus muscle

Nerve supply:-
All hamstring muscles supplied by tibial nerve, branch of sciatic nerve except short head of Biceps femoris which is supplied by common peroneal nerve

Function:-
Flexion of the knee and extension of hips

Examination:-
Hamstring muscle function should be examined in case of any injury to muscle/ tendon/ sciatic nerve injury

Patient in prone position, hips and lower extremities hang freely from the edge of the table (dangle)

Assess if the patient is able to flex the knee and do that against gravity and against resistance.

Palpate on medial side to look for contraction of semimembranosus and semitendinosus

Palpate lateral side to look for contraction of Biceps femoris.