Glossary term
Hamstring
The group of three muscles at the back of the thigh that cross the hip and knee joints.
Definition
The group of three muscles (biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus) at the back of the thigh that cross both the hip and knee joints. During femoral lengthening, the hamstrings are particularly susceptible to tightness and contracture because they span both joints.
Aliases
hamstrings
Updated 2026-03-01
Sources
- Simultaneous Bilateral Femoral and Tibial Lengthening in Achondroplasia — Shabtai L et al., Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 2021official_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
33 obstacles in femoral+tibial lengthening including 10 peroneal nerve entrapments, 8 premature consolidations. Lengthening 5-8 cm medium risk; >8 cm higher complication rate.
- Results and complications of bilateral limb lengthening in achondroplasia — Ferruzza M et al., Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2023official_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
46 lengthening procedures (56 tibias, 36 femurs). Average tibial gain 7.9 cm, femoral gain 6.9 cm. 20.7% complication rate across 92 segments. Each week of external fixation associated with 4.7% increased complication risk.
- Stature Lengthening Surgery — Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Reif TJofficial_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
Most patients gain ~3 inches via femur; up to 5-6 inches total with tibia addition. Six-month process for femur alone.
Informational only. Not medical advice.