Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is Hamstring Repair?
Hamstring repair is a surgical procedure to reattach a torn hamstring tendon to the pelvic bone, usually at the ischial tuberosity (sit bone). It is recommended for severe injuries such as a complete tear, hamstring avulsion injury or significant tissue damage.
The hamstring muscles are three powerful muscles at the back of the thigh, including the biceps femoris. They allow you to bend the knee joint and extend the hip. Most hamstring injuries are mild, such as a hamstring strain or pulled hamstring, and improve with rest, exercises and physiotherapy. However, severe cases may require surgery.
Symptoms of a serious hamstring tear include sudden sharp pain, swelling, bruising, weakness in the leg and difficulty with normal function. Sitting can be painful due to the tendon’s attachment at the pelvis.
We confirm the severity of the injury with a physical examination and MRI scan. If the tendon has detached from the bone, surgical repair may be advised to restore strength, reduce pain and prevent long-term scar tissue problems. In some cases, endoscopic hamstring repair can be performed using smaller incisions. Your consultant will recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Hamstring Repair at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we provide private London hamstring repair in a supportive and professional environment.
Our orthopaedic specialists treat all types of hamstring injury, from stubborn hamstring tendonitis to complete tear and hamstring avulsion repair. We regularly care for athletes, professional athletes and active individuals aiming to return to sports activities safely.
Why choose us:
Specialist assessment
We carry out a detailed physical examination and arrange fast access to MRI scan imaging.
Same-day appointments
Prompt consultation helps reduce pain and avoid delays in treatment.
Advanced surgical repair
We perform hamstring tendon repair and proximal hamstring repair using modern techniques designed to support healing tissue and manage hamstring pain.
Integrated physiotherapy rehabilitation
Our on-site physiotherapy clinic provides structured hamstring repair exercises, guiding you through rest, gradual increase in movement and strengthening to help you regain strength and reduce the risk of re injury.
Hamstring Repair Surgeons
Frequently Asked Questions about Hamstring Repair
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), within easy reach of Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6):
By Tube:
St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
By Bus:
Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
By Car:
Easily accessible from NW3 and NW6 via Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road.
Hamstring repair recovery time depends on the severity of the injury and whether you required surgical intervention for a complete tear or hamstring avulsion.
In the acute phase, rest is important. You may experience swelling, bruising and discomfort with prolonged sitting. Physiotherapy begins gradually to reduce pain and protect the healing tendon.
Over time, strengthening exercises are introduced to help muscle fibres heal and restore normal function. Most patients return to light activity within six to 12 weeks.
Return to sports activities may take several months, particularly in severe cases.
Your consultant and physiotherapy team will guide you through each stage to support full recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury.
A severe hamstring injury may cause:
- Sudden sharp pain in the back of the thigh
- Swelling and bruising
- Weakness in the leg
- Difficulty bending the knee
- Pain when sitting near the sit bone
In a proximal hamstring avulsion, the tendon pulls away from the pelvic bone. Occasionally, irritation of the sciatic nerve may cause pain down the leg.
If you experience significant pain or suspect a torn hamstring, early assessment and MRI scan imaging can determine whether surgery is required.
A hamstring strain and a pulled hamstring usually refer to the same type of injury, where the muscle fibres are overstretched or partially damaged. This commonly causes hamstring pain, mild swelling and discomfort when walking or bending the knee.
A hamstring tear is more severe. It may involve a partial or complete tear of the hamstring tendon, sometimes leading to significant bruising, weakness in the leg and difficulty bearing weight.
Most hamstring injuries improve with rest, physiotherapy and gradual exercises. However, a complete hamstring tear or tendon detachment may require surgery to restore normal function.
If your hamstring pain is severe, worsening, or not improving, an assessment and MRI scan can confirm the severity of the injury.
Yes. Hamstring tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of the hamstring tendon, often caused by overuse, sudden increases in activity or prolonged sitting. It typically causes ongoing hamstring pain near the top of the thigh or buttock.
Unlike a hamstring tear or complete tendon rupture, hamstring tendonitis does not usually require surgery. Treatment focuses on rest, activity modification and structured physiotherapy to reduce pain and allow the tendon to heal properly.