Semimembranosus

The semimembranosus reaches from the pelvis to the tibia.

What does the semimembranosus muscle do?

The semimembranosus helps with flexing the knee and also rotating it.

It functions in co-operation with the other two hamstrings muscles.

• Quote from peer-reviewed paper:

  "....Due to the characteristics of the 3 hamstring muscles, the [semimembranosus] is the least flexible and therefore has greater difficulty in adapting to a lengthening stretch mechanism....injuries are the most common in hyperstretching activities, especially with a slow stretch mechanism...."

  Citation: Balius R, Bossy M, Pedret C, Capdevila L, Alomar X, Heiderscheit B, Rodas G. Semimembranosus Muscle Injuries In Sport. A Practical MRI use for Prognosis. Sports Med Int Open. 2017 Jun 14;1(3):E94-E100. German. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-111587. PMID: 30539092; PMCID: PMC6226085.

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Semimembranosus tendinopathy

Semimembranosus tendinitis or tendinopathy is a poorly-recognised condition causing pain in the back of the knee.

• Quote from peer-reviewed paper:

  "....The incidence of [semimembranosus tendinitis (SMT)] is unknown in the athletic population and is probably more common in older patients. The usual presentation for SMT is aching posteromedial knee pain....."

  Citation: Bylund WE, de Weber K. Semimembranosus tendinopathy: one cause of chronic posteromedial knee pain. Sports Health. 2010 Sep;2(5):380-4. doi: 10.1177/1941738109357302. PMID: 23015963; PMCID: PMC3445062.

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Forum discussions

• third aspiration on the 18th on semimembranosus tendon in pain help!

  Patient with a semimembranosus cyst.

• New here (and miserable!)

  Patient with pes anserine bursitis.

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