Pectoralis Major Muscle Belly Rupture: A Narrative Review

Authors

  • Francesco Oliva Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University of Rome, 00166 Rome, Italy
  • Valeria De Cesare Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
  • Giuliano Sammaria Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
  • Roberta Danieli Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University of Rome, 00166 Rome, Italy
  • Francesco Cuozzo Università degli studi di Salerno
  • Nicola Maffulli Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University Hospital Sant’ Andrea, University La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy /School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Faculty of Medicine, Keele University, Stoke On Trent ST4 7QB, UK /Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Hospital, London E1 4DG, UK

Keywords:

muscle belly, pectoralis mayor, rupture, trauma

Abstract

Purpose: Tears of the pectoralis major (PM) rupture are uncommon and are associated with sport. Early diagnosis is
essential to obtain a satisfactory functional outcome. Ruptures can be full or partial and can present as acute or chronic
injuries. Most commonly, ruptures are located at the level of the humeral insertion of the PM, followed by ruptures at the
musculotendinous junction. Muscle belly ruptures are rare.
Methods: We review the literature, and we add our personal case about a 53-year-old male bodybuilder with an intramuscular
rupture of the PM managed conservatively.
Results: The management of pectoralis muscle belly rupture should be discussed on a case-by-case basis, according to the
patient, and their functional demands and expectations. The fact that these injuries are at best uncommon makes it difficult
to plan and execute randomised controlled trials to gain level I evidence for their management.
Conclusions: Intramuscular tears of the pectoralis major are rare and the best treatment for these injuries remains unclear.

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Published

31-12-2024

How to Cite

Oliva, F. ., De Cesare, V., Sammaria, G., Danieli, R., Cuozzo, F., & Maffulli, N. (2024). Pectoralis Major Muscle Belly Rupture: A Narrative Review. Acta Kinesiologica, 18(4), 79–84. Retrieved from https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/336

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