Int J Sports Med 1984; 05(5): 272-274
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1025919
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Total Rupture of Pectoralis Major Muscle in Athletes

S. Orava1 , A. Sorasto1 , K. Aalto2 , H. Kvist2
  • 1Department of Surgery, Keski-Pohjanmaa Central Hospital, Kokkola, Finland
  • 2Department of Surgery, Rauma District Hospital, Rauma, Finland
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

Abstract

Total rupture of the pectoralis major muscle is rare. It may follow a severe trauma or strenuous athletic exercise or performance. Five cases of total rupture of the pectoralis major muscle treated in athletes are reported. Two of them had made an extremely exerted effort in weight lifting, one was injured during a parachute landing, one was tackled in an ice hockey match, and one injured his pectoralis major muscle while pushing himself up from a swimming pool. In two cases the diagnosis was made early and in three cases 2-4 months after the injury. All of the patients were male and were treated successfully with surgery. Later they were able to exercise their sports. The weight lifters did not go on with competitive sports.