Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
07:12
Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
3.6K
Point-of-care Ultrasound for Suspected Pectoralis Major Rupture: A Case Report
Nathanael Franks1, Jeremiah Gress1, Ryan Joseph2
1Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
|February 9, 2021
Summary
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) effectively diagnoses pectoralis major tears in weightlifters presenting to the emergency department. This imaging technique aids in prompt evaluation and surgical consultation for these uncommon injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Pectoralis major muscle injuries are rare, often linked to weightlifting and anabolic steroid use in males aged 20-40.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred but often unavailable in emergency departments (ED).
- Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an accessible ED tool for diagnosing these injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the utility of POCUS in diagnosing pectoralis major tears.
- To emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis and management in weightlifting-related injuries.
- To showcase POCUS as a valuable tool in the ED setting.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 28-year-old male competitive weightlifter with acute shoulder pain after lifting.
- Clinical presentation suggestive of pectoralis major rupture.
- Diagnosis confirmed using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS).
Main Results:
- POCUS successfully confirmed the pectoralis major rupture in the reported case.
- The diagnosis was made promptly in the emergency department setting.
- Ultrasound facilitated rapid decision-making regarding patient disposition.
Conclusions:
- Musculoskeletal POCUS proficiency is crucial for emergency physicians.
- POCUS aids in estimating injury extent and expediting orthopedic surgery evaluation.
- Early diagnosis and management are vital for favorable patient outcomes in pectoralis major tears.
