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Pectoralis major rupture during gait training: case report
M R Goriganti1, M P Bodack, W Nagler
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, NY, USA.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|January 23, 1999
Summary
Pectoralis major rupture is uncommon, typically seen in young athletes. This case report details the first known instance of this injury in a 79-year-old male during prosthetic training.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Pectoralis major muscle ruptures are rare, predominantly affecting young, athletic individuals during high-intensity activities.
- Common mechanisms include forceful muscle contraction against resistance or sudden overstretching of a contracting muscle.
Observation:
- This report presents a unique case of a 79-year-old male with significant pre-existing comorbidities, including severe degenerative joint disease and a recent transtibial amputation.
- The patient experienced acute left shoulder and axillary pain during prosthetic ambulation training, leading to an inability to continue.
- Physical examination confirmed a partial rupture of the pectoralis major muscle.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of pectoralis major rupture in an elderly patient with a history of lower limb amputation.
- The unusual circumstances highlight potential contributing factors in geriatric populations undergoing rehabilitation.
Implications:
- This case broadens the understanding of potential mechanisms and patient populations susceptible to pectoralis major ruptures.
- It underscores the importance of considering rare musculoskeletal injuries in elderly patients, even with atypical inciting events.
- Further research may explore the biomechanics of pectoralis major rupture in individuals with prosthetic limb use and advanced age.