Biceps femoris tendon (short head) !
The short head of biceps femoris joins the main outer hamstring tendon above the knee, so both reach the fibula together.
Official name: Tendon of biceps femoris
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What it is
The short head of the biceps femoris joining the outer hamstring tendon.
What it does
Bends the knee and turns the shin outward; supports the outer knee.
Key facts
- Attaches
- Short-head fibres from the lateral lip of the linea aspera join the deep surface of the long-head tendon, ending together on the fibular head
- Function
- Knee flexion and lateral rotation whatever the hip position (the short head does not cross the hip); the only hamstring part supplied by the common fibular division
- Tight in
- Knee extension with the leg medially rotated
Relations
- Superficial
- Biceps femoris tendon of the long head
- Deep
- Posterolateral knee joint capsule and the lateral head of gastrocnemius
- Medial
- Common fibular nerve
How to find it
Not felt separately: its fibres form the deep part of the lateral hamstring cord just above the knee.
Examination
- Needle EMG of the short head: abnormal in sciatic nerve or fibular-division lesions in the thigh, but normal in a common fibular nerve palsy at the fibular neck, which helps localise a foot drop
On imaging
Not seen on its own on radiographs. On axial and coronal MRI its fibres merge with the deep side of the long-head tendon above the knee, as part of the posterolateral corner. In a posterolateral corner injury, MRI shows a torn or detached common biceps tendon; on an AP knee radiograph, a small flake pulled off the fibular head (arcuate sign) points to this injury.
Common problems
- Strains, tendinitis, and less often a pull-off injury at the fibula with severe knee injuries.
How it is diagnosed
Physical exam; ultrasound or MRI if needed.
Treatment
- Rest and physical therapy; surgical repair for a pulled-off tendon.
Clinical notes
- The short head does not cross the hip, so it is spared when the hamstring origin is torn from the ischial tuberosity
- When the common biceps tendon is avulsed from the fibular head in a posterolateral corner injury, the short-head arms are repaired together with the long head and the LCL
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which nerve division supplies the short head of biceps femoris?
The common fibular division; it is the only hamstring part supplied by it.
Why does the short head of biceps femoris flex the knee whatever the hip position?
It does not cross the hip: it arises from the lateral lip of the linea aspera.
How does needle EMG of the short head of biceps femoris help localise a foot drop?
It is abnormal in sciatic or fibular-division lesions in the thigh, but normal in a common fibular nerve palsy at the fibular neck.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- caput breve musculi bicipitis femoris TA2 2640
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Tendón del bíceps femoral (porción corta) DeCS D013710
- English (TA2)
- Tendon of biceps femoris
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); DeCS; Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Hamstring Muscle; Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Posterior Thigh Muscles.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
