Biceps Femoris Tendon Avulsion

What is a Biceps Femoris Tendon Avulsion?

The Biceps Femoris muscle is one of the three hamstring muscles which form the back of the thigh. It is the only one of the three which attaches at its lower end, to the outer aspect of the back of the knee. The hamstring muscles as a group act to bend the knee and also to extend the hip (move the thigh backwards). A tendon avulsion is where the tendon pulls completely away from the bone rather than tearing mid-tendon. This can occur at tendon attachments at the pelvis or knee. An avulsion fracture is a slightly difference injury, where the force through the tendon actually pulls away a fragment of bone as well.

Symptoms of Biceps Femoris Tendon Avulsion

• Sudden pain after a forceful or explosive movement.
• A significant decrease in hamstring strength.
• Swelling and bruising may appear.

Treatment

• RICE principle - rest; ice; compression; elevation
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Diagnostic imaging such as an X-ray or MRI may be used to confirm the injury.
• In straightforward cases conservative treatment including a rehabilitation programme is usually effective.
• In more complicated cases, surgery may be required.

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• Cold therapy - Ice packs and wraps can be used to ease pain and reduce inflammation.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Biceps Femoris Tendon Avulsion and other forms of knee pain.