Pectoralis Major Muscle Belly Rupture: A Narrative Review
Keywords:
muscle belly, pectoralis mayor, rupture, traumaAbstract
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.