Effective surgical solution to a complete rupture of the pectoralis major

The rupture of the pectoralis major muscle is rare, occurring typically in young male athletes. When the break is complete and the patient active, surgical treatment is the choice.

48-year-old man with severe pain in left shoulder after lifting weights. He presents impotence to adduction and internal rotation of the shoulder with thinning of the axillary fold. MRI confirms the diagnosis of complete rupture of the pectoralis major. Surgical treatment was decided, performing a deltopectoral approach and reinserting the pectoralis major tendon with three cortical buttons.

The rupture of the pectoralis major is a typical lesion of active young patients with an increasing incidence. Although there have been no significant differences between the different repair options, in our experience the use of cortical buttons provides very satisfactory results.