Editing Hamstringing

{{short description|Method of crippling a person or animal by severing the hamstring tendons in the thigh}}

'''Hamstringing''' is a method of [[Cripple|crippling]] a person or animal so that they cannot walk properly by severing the [[hamstring]] [[tendons]] in the [[thigh]] of the individual. It is used both as a [[swordfighting]] strike to incapacitate an enemy combatant, and as a method of [[torture]] the victim.

==Use==
Hamstringing is used primarily to incapacitate a [[human]] or [[animal]] and render them incapable of effective movement. The severing of the hamstring muscles results not only in the crippling of the leg, but also in pain.<ref>{{cite journal
|title=Hamstring Strain Injuries: Recommendations for Diagnosis, Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention
|journal=J Orthop Sports Phys Ther
|volume=40
|issue=2
|date=February 2010
|pages=67–81
|doi=10.2519/jospt.2010.3047
|doi-access=free
|last1=Heiderscheit
|first1=Bryan C.
|last2=Sherry
|first2=Marc A.
|last3=Silder
|first3=Amy
|last4=Chumanov
|first4=Elizabeth S.
|last5=Thelen
|first5=Darryl G.
|pmid=20118524
|pmc=2867336
}}</ref>

==Method==
In humans, the [[hamstring]] extends between the hip and knee joints. The hamstring muscle group is made up of the [[biceps femoris]], [[semitendinosus muscle]], and the [[semimembranosus]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite journal|first1= Wayne|last1= Hoskins|first2= Henry|last2= Pollard|title= Hamstring injury management—Part 2: Treatment|journal=Manual Therapy|volume=10|year=2005|pages=180–190|doi= 10.1016/j.math.2005.05.001 |issue= 3|pmid=15993642}}</ref> It facilitates both the flexing of the knee and hip extension,<ref>[http://www.livestrong.com/article/151904-what-is-the-purpose-function-of-the-hamstring/ Brughelli, Matt. (2011)]</ref> making it a vital contributor to normal leg-movement.  By severing these muscles or the tendons involved in this process, normal leg-movement is disrupted. In addition to sustaining massive bleeding, the injured leg becomes useless and the victim is rendered [[Limp| lame]]. The severing of the hamstring is usually accomplished through use of a blade such as a knife or [[sword]].

==Medical treatment==
Due to a lack of research in the field of critical hamstring injuries, current injury-management practice is quite limited.<ref>{{cite journal | pmid = 23288753 | doi=10.1055/s-0032-1324811 | volume=26 | title=Hamstring pain and muscle strains following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective, randomized trial comparing hamstring graft harvest techniques | journal=J Knee Surg | pages=139–44 | last1 = D'Alessandro | first1 = P | last2 = Wake | first2 = G | last3 = Annear | first3 = P| year=2012 | issue=2 }}</ref> Management of the injury is based solely "on clinical experience, anecdotal evidence and the knowledge of the biological basis of tissue repair".<ref name="autogenerated1"/>  These injuries are difficult to control or repair, leading often to permanent injury or even death by [[exsanguination|blood loss]].

==Historical usage==

Sources from [[late antiquity]] indicate that hamstringing was commonly used to incapacitate combatants, prisoners and runaway slaves.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gutenberg.org/files/28587/28587-h/28587-h.htm|title= The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus|author=Ammianus Marcellinus|authorlink=Ammianus Marcellinus}}</ref> The French ''[[Code Noir]]'' (1685) prescribed hamstringing as the punishment for slaves caught escaping for a second time.

==Use as metaphor==
Literally, to "hamstring" an individual is to sever the tissues of their hamstring. As a [[metaphor]], to be "hamstrung" suggests being limited, by external imposition or not, in a way that prevents full freedom of movement or utilization of resources.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=hamstring |title=Online Etymology Dictionary |publisher=Etymonline.com |date= |accessdate=2014-08-04}}</ref>

==Biblical reference==

Rendering [[chariot]]-[[horse]]s lame by hamstringing is mentioned in the [[Book of Joshua]] in the [[Bible]]  (the [[King James Version]] uses the term "{{linktext|houghing}}",<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Joshua%2011:9 Book of Joshua, Chapter 11, Verse 9 (King James Version)] - "And Joshua did unto them as the Lord bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire."</ref> from an old spelling of [[hock (zoology)| ''hock'']]). In times of war, hamstringing an enemy's horses prevented the horses from being used in fighting.

== References ==

{{reflist|30em}}

[[Category:Torture]]
[[Category:Hamstring]]


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