Pectoralis Major Tear Repair: Surgery for Torn Pectoral Muscles
Here’s a breakdown of treatment options for major tears of the pectoralis to discuss with your orthopedic surgeon.
The pectoralis is a large, fan-shaped muscle that includes the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles and stretches from the armpit to the collarbone and down across the lower chest region on both sides of the chest. The pectoralis major aids in rotating the arm inward and moving it closer to the body. The pectoralis muscles connect the chest wall with the humerus (upper arm bone) and shoulder.
What Are Pectoralis Major Tears/Repairs?
A tear in the pectoralis major muscle occurs when the tendon attaching the muscle to the upper arm bone is damaged as a result of trauma or injury.
The symptoms of tears in the pectoralis major muscle include:
- Bruising in the arm and chest
- Pain in the upper arm and chest
- Deformity of the upper arm and chest
- Weakness or loss of strength
- Swelling around the affected muscle
- Dimpling or pocket formation around the armpit
What Are the Treatment Options for Pectoralis Major Tears?
The choice of treatment depends upon the type and severity of the injury, the extent of muscle function, and the patient’s general health and activity level.
Non-surgical treatment is used for patients with partial tears, rupture within the muscles, and elderly and low-demand patients. Non-surgical treatment includes rest, cold therapy, immobilization, NSAIDs along with physical therapy for stretching and muscle strengthening.
Surgical repair for pectoralis tears is used for patients with complete tears of the pectoralis muscle tendon, and those who need to return to full strength and function, such as athletes.
What Is the Procedure for Surgical Repair of Pectoralis Muscle Tears?
Surgery for torn pectoral muscles is performed by the orthopedic surgeon according to the following procedure:
- The surgeon makes a small incision on the upper arm where the tendon attaches.
- The surgeon identifies the torn tendon and reattaches the torn muscle and tendon to the humerus (upper arm bone) utilizing anchors and strong sutures.
- The surgeon then closes the incision by suturing or staples and covering it with sterile dressings to complete the operation.
What Happens After Surgical Repair for Pectoralis Muscle Tears?
Following surgery the patient’s arm stays in a sling for at least six weeks. The patient will perform gentle pendulum exercises and gradually move on to a physical therapy rehabilitation program. After six months, patients will typically be able to return to competitive activity.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Repair Surgery for Torn Pectoral Muscles?
As with any surgery, some of the potential risks and complications of pectoralis major repair surgery may include: bleeding, infection, stiffness, failure to heal, blood clots, and damage to the nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding tissues.
Tears to the pectoralis muscles can be painful and debilitating. Don’t let a torn pectoral muscle keep you down. Let us see if repair surgery may be right for you.