Pectoralis major tendon rupture. Surgical procedures review

Giovanni Merolla1, Paolo Paladini, Fabrizio Campi

  • 1Unit of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, D. Cervesi Hospital, Cattolica, Italy.

Insights

Pectoralis major tendon ruptures are rare shoulder injuries. This review covers their clinical anatomy, injury mechanisms, and surgical repair options for acute and chronic cases.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Sports Medicine
  • Anatomy

Background:

  • The Pectoralis Major (PM) muscle is a key shoulder stabilizer, involved in flexion, adduction, and internal rotation.
  • Ruptures of the PM tendon are uncommon injuries, with historical documentation dating back to the early 19th century.
  • Over 200 cases of PM tendon rupture have been reported in medical literature.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the clinical anatomy of the Pectoralis Major muscle.
  • To elucidate the common mechanisms leading to Pectoralis Major tendon injuries.
  • To review current surgical techniques for managing both acute and chronic Pectoralis Major tendon ruptures.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing medical literature on Pectoralis Major tendon ruptures.
  • Analysis of anatomical structures and biomechanics related to the PM muscle.
  • Compilation and synthesis of surgical procedures for PM tendon repair.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of Pectoralis Major muscle anatomy and its role in shoulder function.
  • Identification of typical injury mechanisms, often associated with forceful eccentric contractions.
  • Overview of surgical approaches for acute and chronic PM tendon tears.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding PM anatomy and injury mechanisms is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Surgical intervention is often necessary for restoring function after Pectoralis Major tendon rupture.
  • A review of surgical procedures provides valuable information for clinicians managing these injuries.