Complete rupture of the tendon of the biceps muscle of the thigh

Complete rupture of the tendon of the M. biceps femoris proximal to its insertion is a rare occurrence. Relatively few patients have been recorded. We describe a patient with a complete rupture sustained as a result of a water skiing accident, viz. a fall over the stern wave. The case history was in accordance with a theory about the cause of this lesion--sudden overstretching of the hamstrings. The diagnosis was made by physical examination in the acute phase. With the patient in supine, 90 degrees flexed knees position and with isometric contraction of his hamstrings it is easy to mark and palpate a defect of the tendon just proximal to the caput fibulae. After operative reconstruction, a plaster cylinder was used for five weeks' postoperative immobilization. Five weeks after surgery, physical therapy was started, first to regain knee motion, and later to regain strength. Twelve weeks after surgery, the patient resumed working and recreational sports.