anterior cruciate ligament?

Question

my brother is having an op on this with a replacement taken from the tendon on the hamstring just wondering would this affect the hamstring at all

Answer 1

The hamstrings are in fact a group of muscles in the posterior thigh, including: biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus and the hamstring portion of adductor magnus.

The functions of hamstrings are: flexion and rotation of the knee, and some extension of hip joint. I do not know which tendon is being used, but my guess is that there will be some effect post-op, but small. Since there are multiple hamstrings, the one damaged will have the others to take over its function.

Also, tendons can grow back, but rather slowly. After healing, the tendon would probably be shorter than before (with a chunk removed), but your brother's leg will probably return to more or less normal.

Answer 2

Theoretically it would weaken the hamstring.

However, the hamstrings are strong muscles on the back of the thigh which cross the knee joint.

On one side is a pair of muscles: semimembranosus and semitendinosus (it is usually one of these tendons that the surgeons will use)

On the other side is the biceps femoris - an equally strong muscle with two heads of origin.

When the muscle tendon is taken - then that muscle cannot pull on the knee any more. However the remaining muscles can more than make up for it.

Answer 3

I have had the same operation & have never experienced any problems with the hamstring. After the op i didnt feel any pain in that area at all, & 5 years on I have still not experienced any problems. It operates in exactly the same way as my 'good leg' & id never know the difference!

Answer 4

Sorry dont know the answer but, just in case other people look a warning.....TAKE CARE OF YOUR KNEES.....I didnt and mine are knackered, one has been replaced and the other will orobs need doin.You don't know how useful those knees are until you can't use em