Clinical imaging · UKMLA & AKT
Muscle strains and tears (hamstring/quadriceps/calf)
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- Strains occur at the musculotendinous junction (MTJ) - mechanically weakest point under load
- Mechanism: eccentric contraction (muscle contracts while lengthening) → high tensile force at MTJ
- Hamstrings - biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus; bi-articular; vulnerable during sprinting (late swing phase)
- Quadriceps - rectus femoris most commonly strained (only bi-articular component)
- Calf - gastrocnemius more vulnerable (bi-articular, crosses knee); both insert via Achilles tendon
Unlock the full Muscle strains and tears (hamstring/quadriceps/calf) revision
Get the complete high-yield notes (6 more sections covering investigations, management and complications), practice questions, mock exams and Sal, the AI tutor. Start free.