Rupture of the pectoralis major: study of three cases and review of the literature

Introduction Three ruptures of the pectoralis major are reported. The mecha nism of injury was excessive external rotation with high muscular tension. Rupture of muscle often occurs at the humeral insertion or musculotendinous junction. Material and methods In the three cases, surgical repair was performed. Sut ures could be made without excessive tension. Patients were immobilized in a sling for three weeks. Passive exercises were begun at 3 weeks. Results All patients recovered and had postoperatively the same sport level as before. In late surgical repair the consistent fibrosis makes dissectio n of the ruptured tendon difficult and it's retraction hinders the suture. Discussion The symptoms are sometimes initially under evaluated. In limited number of cases the treatment may be delayed: functionnal disability and s trength limitation justify surgical treatment. The results, however, are us ually good according to the score of Nlc Entire. Surgical repair is recomme nded in distal ruptures in active patients to restore previous muscle stren gth and contour.