Deciding on Surgery for a Complete Proximal Hamstring Tear: Seeking Guidance
Greetings to all, At the age of 55, I suffered a significant injury four weeks back—a complete proximal hamstring tear located about 8 centimeters from where it detached from the bone. Since the injury, I've been undergoing physical therapy and can now manage to walk with relative ease. However, I'm faced with a dilemma regarding whether or not to pursue surgical intervention to reattach the tendon. After consulting with two different physicians, I received mixed messages. One doctor indicated that the choice rests entirely with me, even suggesting I seek insights from sources like chat GPT, whereas the other doctor recommended against surgery, encouraging me to stick to my physical therapy regimen. I find myself concerned about my weight and what that might mean for my health and mobility moving forward, regardless of the surgical route I choose. Has anyone here been in a similar position? Perhaps someone who experienced this type of injury two decades ago could share their journey and discuss whether they managed to maintain their mobility with or without surgical treatment? If you think additional details could help, feel free to ask!
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 7:30:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
Deciding on surgery for a complete proximal hamstring tear is crucial, and it’s understandable to feel uncertain given the mixed advice you've received from different physicians. Here’s a structured approach to help you navigate this decision.
Key Points:
- Surgery vs. Non-Surgery: The choice often hinges on the severity of your injury, your functional goals, and overall health.
- Recovery and Future Mobility: Regardless of the route you choose, maintaining mobility is possible, but it may vary in quality based on your decision.
- Weight Considerations: Addressing your weight and overall fitness is essential for recovery and long-term health.
Explanation:
A complete proximal hamstring tear involves the tendon separating from the bone, which can lead to complications if not treated appropriately. Surgical repair is often recommended to restore full function, especially if you’re active and want to return to sports or certain physical activities. However, many individuals recover well with physical therapy alone, especially if they have a less active lifestyle or if they prioritize rehabilitation effectively.
You mentioned your concern about your weight and health. This is vital because being at a healthy weight can greatly influence your recovery and impact your mobility. It’s also essential to consider how each treatment option aligns with your lifestyle goals and preferences.
Next Steps:
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Evaluate Your Goals: Reflect on your lifestyle goals—do you want to return to specific sports or activities, or is maintaining general mobility more important? This will guide your decision.
-
Consider a Third Opinion: Given the mixed advice, it may be beneficial to consult a specialist in sports medicine or an orthopedic surgeon who focuses on tendon injuries to gather more targeted opinions about your situation.
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Engage in Rehabilitation: Regardless of whether you opt for surgery or continue with physical therapy:
- Stick to your physical therapy regimen diligently.
- Incorporate light, safe exercises (as advised by your PT) to maintain your weight and improve overall fitness without straining your hamstring.
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Nutrition and Weight Management: Consult with a nutritionist to create a weight management plan that complements your recovery process. Focus on balanced meals that support muscle repair and overall health.
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Monitor Your Progress: Keep a journal of your recovery progress, noting any changes in mobility or pain levels. This can be helpful in discussions with your healthcare providers.
Remember, it’s your body and your journey, and it’s essential to choose the path that resonates best with your health goals and lifestyle. Let me know if you have any further questions or need more support with your situation!
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