The semitendinosus: anatomic considerations in tendon harvesting.

Abstract

The length and course of the semitendinosus tendon was studied in cadaveric specimens. The average length of the tendinous portion was 23 cm. The tendon separates from the other pes anserinus tendons as it passes beneath the semimembranosus muscle, where the deep fascia forms a sling for the tendon; the surgeon should be aware of this anatomy when using tendon strippers.