Pectoralis Major Tear: An Unusual and Rare Presentation

The pectoralis major is a very powerful muscle that forms the chest prominence and. It moves the shoulder forward and across your chest. It is best known as the muscle that you develop with the bench press exercise in gymnasium. The pectoralis major attaches to the humerus bone and is divided into two parts. The upper part is known as the "clavicular head" and the lower part the "sternal head," based on their origins from the clavicle and sternal bones, respectively. Ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle are becoming more common due to the increase in power sports weight training.

A About 25-year-old male presented to Out Patient Department with bruising and swelling over the anterior wall of left axilla. The patient was engineer and amateur weight lifter. Clinically, the swelling was tender, and movements of left arm were restricted. Muscle tear was suspected and hence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was advised which showed tear of tendon of pectoralis major muscle. The patient was treated surgically and has got full range of movements of the arm.

MRI is the mainstay for diagnosing pectoralis major tear. The earlier a repair is performed the easier the surgery and the better the outcome of surgery.