Pectoralis Tendon Tears

Pectoralis Tendon Tears

What is a Pectoralis Tendon Tear?

The pectoralis major is a large chest muscle that helps move the arm. A tear occurs when the tendon connecting it to the upper arm bone (humerus) is ruptured, often during weightlifting.

Types of Pectoralis Tendon Tears

  • Type 1: Tendon tears off the humerus.
  • Type 2: Tear occurs at the muscle-tendon junction.
  • Type 3: Rupture within the pectoralis major muscle.
  • Type 4: Muscle tears from the sternum.

Causes of Pectoralis Tendon Tears

  • Weightlifting: Especially during bench pressing.
  • Sports Injuries: Wrestling, football, and rugby.
  • Trauma: Sudden excessive force on the muscle.

Symptoms of a Pectoralis Tendon Tear

  • Sudden, severe chest pain at the time of injury
  • Popping or snapping sound
  • Swelling and bruising, often extending into the arm
  • Weakness when pushing or bringing the arm toward the body
  • Visible deformity of the chest muscle

Diagnosis of a Pectoralis Tear

A physical exam assesses muscle function, and an MRI scan confirms the diagnosis and severity of the tear.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatments

Minor strains may heal with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. Activity modification is key to recovery.

Surgical Treatments

For severe tears, surgery is performed to reattach the tendon to the humerus using strong sutures and anchors. In chronic cases, tendon grafts may be required.