Rare Fusion of the Semitendinosus and the Long Head of the Biceps Femoris Muscles in a Human Cadaver

Abstract

During routine cadaveric dissection of a 59-year-old female cadaver, a rare, anomalous fusion of the semitendinosus and long head of the biceps femoris muscles, arising as a common head at the origin of the ischial tuberosity, was observed. In addition, a unilateral muscular slip was noted between the gluteus maximus and the long head of the biceps femoris muscle belly. To the best of our knowledge, this variation has not been previously reported in the literature. Such variations may increase the risk of hamstring injury or compression of the sciatic nerve. Patients presenting with sciatic pain in the posterior thigh may prompt an evaluation for the aberrant origin of the hamstring muscles. It may be beneficial for surgeons, radiologists, and sports medicine specialists to be aware of such variations due to potential implications on surgical intervention, pain management, and interpretation of radiographic images.