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I am a 45-year old "athlete" heading in to my first surgery for a hamstring tear in my bum. I put the word athlete in quotations because of my older age. But I fully intend to get back in the game. What kinds of things should I be aware of as I go into and come out of this surgery? I'm definitely hoping to get back to all my pre-injury activities (golf, tennis, running, skiing).
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More and more adults are remaining active through mid-life and on into their senior years. Record numbers are participating in Senior Olympics. And even those who don't compete are finding ways to exercise routinely.
For anyone involved in physical activity, exercise, and sports -- whether alone or with a group -- the risk of injury goes up. Hamstring strains are the most common muscle injuries in all age groups. There may be a partial tear (considered more of a "strain") or complete rupture known as an avulsion.
Treatment can be conservative (without surgery) for minor tears. But most of the time, when an athlete of any age experiences a complete tear of the proximal hamstring tendon, surgery to reattach the tendon to the bone is indicated.
Studies show that return-to-sports is possible. It is even possible for the older athlete to return at a level equal to their pre-injury participation. But that kind of full recovery isn't guaranteed. Anywhere between 45 and 80 per cent of active adults who experience a proximal muscle hamstring avulsion and who have surgery to repair it regain full function.
Experts are trying to understand why there is a wide range of outcomes. Some of the spread in results may have more to do with how the studies are conducted. Different tools to measure outcomes may be used from study to study. So it is more like comparing apples to oranges. And some researchers have suggested the differences may be more likely due to the type of test being used. It's possible that some of the tests of function don't really assess this problem accurately.
There are different clinical ways to measure results including strength, muscle atrophy, range of motion, patient satisfaction, and level of function. MRIs provide an alternate way to view results. With this type of advanced imaging, it is possible to visibly see physical evidence of healing.
But to come back to your question: what to expect? Your surgeon will probably be the one to give you the best range of expectations (and potential surprises). This type of counsel is based on the severity of injury, type of surgery needed, and your general health. In the end, your goals and expectations may be just as important in identifying and achieving final outcomes.
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